Chapter 67
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The reception was at noon, but Eve and Zack arrived a little after 11am. They were still setting things up, Eve talked with some of the other teenage volunteers. Some she recognized from Caseyville, others came from Virginia, Montana, Texas, Colorado. They'd worked in different Arks, but they were united in their common effort. This felt good, reminded Eve that she was a part of something greater than herself. Zoey Allen came with her recorder, started interviewing. Eve remembered those white house christmas videos that Zoey used to make, and post on youtube. Now she was making movies about Ark workers. To Eve's suprise Zoey actually remembered her. This small recognition, made Eve feel important, like she really matterred in the grand scheme of things. Shortly before 12 noon the reception was set up, they said the guests could eat. There were lunch-meat platters, the kind her parents sometimes had during parties. There were also many kinds of soda and juice. President Mason wasn't here. That wsn't suprising, everyone knew he was a busy man. Zoey filmed this event, she seemed to want to do this until the president arrived. His son Jed, came to see Zoey. They seemed to make a cute couple. It made sense, given the amount of time the first and second families spent together. Like Eisenhower's grandson marrying Nixon's daughter. President George Mason arrived here a little after 2pm. He seemed a bit out of breath, still regaining his strength. Still, he gave a brief speech thanking these young people for giving up part, or even all of, their summer vacation to help build these Arks. These teen workers were asked to form a line, so the president could shake all their hands individually. Eve was both scared and excited. She was about to shake hands with the most powerful man in the world. Then she remembered Kristen, Eve had the letter, she had to give it to the president. When it was Eve's turn she stutterred. She gave the letter, along with the pictures, to president Mason. Eve tried to tell Kristen's story, but feared she fumbled it. Mason seemed a bit awkward, but took the letter. He promised to look it over, and thanked Eve for having such concern for her fellow workers.