Author's Summary: Previously, Suzanne and Jethro are disagreeing. Their differences and anger towards another are shared with colleagues and friends, which provide a different perspective. Suzanne learns from Claudia about making concessions-'you cannot be a full-time feminist'-and acceptance. Jethro is reminded by friends to listen and accept changing roles with the 21st century woman.
This chapter addresses how Suzanne's drive and ambition does not necessarily translates well at home. Jethro is changing, allowing others to see his romantic feelings for his wife-willingly. Musical inspirations for the chapter are from Tears for Fears, "The Working Hour" and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, "I Hope that We Can Be Together Soon." The songs are referenced in the writing.
Writing topics:
1. The importance of vows;
2. Rule 68: Introduction
3. Balance
"This is the working hour; we are paid by those who learn by our mistake."—Tears for Fears
"Oh, damn it!"
Suzanne's mind echoed, remembering Jethro's last words in conversation. She was concerned.
"Marriage is work; we're going to make ours work."
Suzanne Gibbs did not believe her marriage was in trouble.
They were married almost 6 months; Suzanne spent four of the months away than creating a home. She often listened to music for inspiration, sometimes for distraction. Her favorites were musician-laden, meaning she heard instruments, not synthesizers. The lyrics also inspired Suzanne to think. The Working Hour seemed to summarize, separate the differences between an active work and personal life.
These things that I've been told can rearrange.
My world. My doubt. In time, but inside out…
Her life was no longer just hers; her decisions also affected and included Jethro. Steadfastly, Suzanne carried the belief women could have it all through rearrangement. The philosophy was taught to her as a girl. With passion, with calm, rational self-justification, she wanted to be right. 'Discarding my career? Something I worked hard for?' The last two promises under God, she struggle with regard to career.
She mulled over the suggestion Claudia dispensed about recent disagreements with Jethro, how to soothe his opposition about her emergence as a symbol for the Women's Movement. He wanted a wife, and she was happy, elated as Mrs. Gibbs. The problem was…she was never home!
'This is not just about me.' Suzanne thought. The same vows Jethro repeated, she agreed and repeated. 'Richer or poorer; sickness and health; Love and faithfulness…forsaking all others…' Having it all, she concluded, came with costs—losses she did not want.
Mid afternoon, Suzanne dressed in casual clothes, walked to the suite and softly knocked on the door. Her bags were packed, her facial expression more serious than usual. She slept little that evening before, her mind preoccupied at work.
"You have a minute, Mr. President? Mrs. Owens?"
Suzanne asked, and the President, reluctantly agreed. It was arranged. The first flight back to the United States was an hour. She intended to be on it. Within 24 hours, she would arrive to Washington. Surprise! She was leaving Australia earlier than expected to surprise Jethro.
"Susie…" He sighed heavily, smiling at a recent photo taken by coworker Claudia and sent to him via his cellphone. It was a single shot of Suzanne staring out the window of Air Force One into the sky, headphones in her ears, little facial expression.
It was their time apart that began a strain. He enjoyed spending time with her, surprising and wooing her during and after work hours. It wasn't the job or the fact Suzanne worked outside the home. She was excellent at her job! Jethro recalled some of the recent conversations.
"I'd never expected…all of this, this circus!" Suzanne genuinely downplayed the attention, explained her plea for privacy in phone conversations.
"You think it'll stop?" She sighed.
"You've worked too hard to get there." He referred to her career. "You're building a good reputation." Jethro expected, encouraged her to use God-given talent; his rule book implied that you do not waste good.
"It's like you've said…because you're a woman…"
Jethro Gibbs mentioned that he listened only to five songs. Since marrying Suzanne, he added one more, which described the nature of their marriage: I Hope That We Can Be Together Soon.
It played softly from Gibbs' desktop computer. The time apart allowed him to review. Their work schedules, he'll be damned, wouldn't end their marriage. Those who worked closely with Jethro noticed a marked change in his general persona. Jethro missed seeing his wife in person-thinking, wanting her always at his side. He was a little jealous, seeing his wife only on the TV sometimes and not at their home.
Suzanne's various private and publicity photos were not a substitute. He adored her wide smile and that unique twinkle in her deep brown eyes before going into public.
When I think about you, girl
Chills run up and down my spine
And if my wish would come true, girl
I'd be with you all the time
Wrong or right, day and night, I'm gonna miss you
And all my lonely heart seems to do
Finally, Jethro loved a woman, loved like Shannon, similar to his passions but different in approach. Jethro was determined to express how much he loved Suzanne. The problem: she was never home long enough to express his admiration. He drafted a Conduct Number 68 on an index card:
'Whatever works! No relationship is alike. Instead of learning from someone else's relationship, learn from your own relationship's successes and failures.'
Jethro admitted, even boasted to colleagues how proud he was of Suzanne. He did not take her gifts for granted.
"Yes, a dozen orange, delivered, please?" He responded. "I'll hold."
"Orange is passion…" Tony commented.
The twinkle was in his eye. Jethro was in love with Suzanne.
"She's leaving Brisbane, on her way back to Washington." Jethro covered the receiver with his hand, looking at Ellie, Tony and Tim.
"I'd like the flowers delivered tomorrow—surprise her." Jethro continued typing, researching on his computer. "Knowing her, she'll stop inside before coming home!"
"Well, aren't you romantic?" Eleanor chuckled. Jethro nodded, scour look, then a soft smile. He possessed a romantic nature, loved the feeling of oneness with Suzanne. Jethro purchased roses often, sometimes arranging delivery to the White House during work hours.
"My husband doesn't send me flowers…"
"On the card, please say 'Zoe mou, sas agapo…' Oh, she'll know who they're from…" He smiled while speaking with the salesperson.
"Thanks, Mickey."
Jethro approached the house, but something seemed out of the ordinary. Fred was not peeping outside the window, a behavior from the canine. Cautiously, he entered the home, his hand resting on his service revolver. Once he smelled baking bread, heard instrumental music upon the doorstep, it was evidently not an intruder. He chuckled.
Suzanne heard the door open and shut.
"The flight was about 24 hours." Suzanne replied, stirring her sauce. Jethro walked towards the kitchen. She continued the story, checking the bread.
"How did you…?"
Obviously, Jethro was happy to have Suzanne back home! Her ETA was estimated at 12 hours. Her appearance was extraordinary for a woman who traveled across several time zones. No obviously sign of jet lag. She changed into denim jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt, her clothing covered over an apron.
"I took the first commercial flight out." She smiled. "Brisbane, to Sydney, to LAX, then to JFK…I rented a car, instead of waiting for a 19 hour layover just to Dulles."
His hug included a small lift from the ground, wrapping her into his arms.
"Hi, Jethro." Suzanne chuckled.
"I promise—no long trips for about…6 weeks." She wore her apron, happily brought supper to the table, kissing her husband briefly on his lips. Suzanne continued talking and bringing food to the table.
"This current schedule for the month has short day trips—leaving Washington early in the morning, arriving home the same night. We're back to LA once again, then New Orleans and Houston." She sat down beside Jethro.
"So I'll be arranging security detail with Ms. Lange and Pride." She thoroughly chewed her salad.
"Well, tell them hi."
A moment of silence came after the short description of her work week.
"Answer something for me, Sugar? Why can't you three switch on travel detail?" Jethro asked. It was a valid question. Claudia recently completed a junket with Suzanne and was also scheduled for dates on the CONTUS-Continental United States-junkets.
"Claudia handles Pacific and Domestic Affairs; I handle Latin and European Affairs, along with his schedule...Linda keeps it all together in Washington." She explained a portion of her multi-tiered job title. "Also, I spend the most time with the Boss; he and I have established a rhythm…"
"Excuse me?" Jethro raised an eyebrow, questioning his wife's choice of the word.
She laughed.
"The President and I have a good working relationship." Suzanne clarified, smiling with a slight twinkle in her eye. "He's comfortable with me. I guess…I bring out the best."
Suzanne watched Jethro eat his dinner, asked how it was.
"Mmm! This is good, Sugar."
"Glad you're enjoying it." She chuckled.
A cellphone rang—the distinctive ringer she programmed was for the President.
"You just got home, Susie." Jethro groaned slightly.
"Hello, this is Mrs. Gibbs."
"Q, I need a favor…"
"Mr. President, I am home…with Jethro." She smiled. Jethro smiled at the stern tone. "Can it wait until tomorrow morning?" There was a pause in the conversation.
"Okay…what is the favor?" She walked into the kitchen, grabbed a pen and paper from the drawer.
The doorbell chimed.
"Mr. President, my doorbell is ringing."
"I'll get the door, Suzanne." Jethro said.
Outside their doorstep was the President of the United States with Dash and Roe beside him.
"Have Gunny …pen… …oor."
"Hi, Gunny."
The President greeted Jethro, carrying paper bags, placing a finger across his lips. A black SUV sat in the driveway.
"Jethro, the President must have hit turbulence…I think he's leaving Australia." Suzanne came out of the kitchen, walked beside him. A surprised look came across her face.
"Mr. President…?"
"We fly Air Force One, not commercial flights..."
Suzanne laughed as the men walked into the mudroom, removed their shoes.
"These two men are Agents Dash and Roe with Secret Service." Suzanne acknowledged their presence. "This is my husband, Jethro." The three exchanged pleasantries, the agents walked further inside the home.
"What's in the bag?" Suzanne asked.
"In this bag is something called the Big O..." The President introduced the unknown items.
"Oh, good Lord!" Suzanne replied. The men unloaded the bags, filled with some of Jethro's favorite desserts—apple pie, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate syrup.
"You forgot Gunny's dessert." He tapped on the bag.
"You raided the pantry?"
"No. We stopped at Bullseye!"
"…and to Hell Burger!" Suzanne laughed. "You sneak!"
"Bullseye is the President's favorite hangout, next to the Hell Burger." She explained to Jethro.
"She bragged about going home and cooking dinner for her husband—first thing she planned to do after leaving Australia." The President said, focusing his attention on Suzanne.
"And Kay knows about the Hell Burger and Bullseye excursion…tattletale!"
"Well…thank you." Suzanne replied. "Obviously, you're all staying for dessert…"
"Suzanne mentioned that you love apple pie à la mode with a hint of chocolate syrup." The President continued. "I thought I'd bring some over."
"I appreciate it."
The men observed her movement through the kitchen nook. Suzanne cleared the dinner dishes.
"I can handle this part." Suzanne said. "I'll holler when everything's ready."
"Gentlemen, how about I give you a small tour of the house?" Jethro suggested.
"Please, not my office, Jethro." Suzanne said. "I haven't cleaned it."
"Susie's office is part of the tour." Jethro laughed.
In the background, she heard part of the conversation.
"You've got to see her office. I made her bookcases… her desk is an old front door…"
Suzanne's office was chaotic, organized mess she described it on many occasions. Work-related items—her badge, backpack, even her travel bag—sat near the doorway. The desk held many pictures—friends, family. On the wall were her degrees and both her undergraduate and graduate cap and gown photos. Images of her Central American travels were displayed across the wall, on her bookcases.
"You have a very nice home." The President complimented. Motioning for Dash and Roe to stay in the hallway, the President partly closed the door.
"It's a home now…" Jethro nodded, smiled, and glanced around. "All the little touches are hers."
"You know, I never had a problem like this with any other employee…" He sat down at her desk, spoke in a hushed whisper. The President shook his head, thinking how to share the concern.
"How would you feel if I scheduled a few personal days for Suzanne, just to get her attention?"
The two sat silently.
"Susie's a hell of a woman, Gunny." The President smiled, glanced around the room. "…a fantastic employee, everything I dreamed for an aide. I have to judge her on her work ethic, outstanding, until three days ago."
The President sighed, paced around the room, collecting his thoughts and continued.
"It's all about balance. She works harder than anyone else but doesn't have down time. What she did—leaving Brisbane early—breaks protocol. I want her to acknowledge that."
"So it's not putative, her leave time?"
"Nah." The President smiled and laughed. "I understand why…"
"Dessert is ready."
The two shook hands, smiled at one another.
"Suzanne will come in tomorrow but will have about a week off the schedule. Enjoy that time with your wife."
"Thanks, Mr. President."