I really love this chapter... maybe it's cause I know more about US politics than anything else. but I love the President' side.
Chapter 10
Jade sat in the quiet of her private study, the late afternoon light filtering through the windows, casting a golden hue over her desk. She had just ended the call with Tori, her emotions in disarray. It was a conversation filled with formalities and political necessities, but the echoes of their past interactions lingered, stirring feelings she thought long buried.
Beck, sensing her unrest, found her in the study as he often did when he felt her distance. He took a seat across from her, his gaze softening as he studied her expression. "You've been quiet…" he said gently. "Something on your mind?"
Jade sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "It's strange… Talking to Tori again... "
Beck's eyes widened. "Holy shit! You talked to her?"
Jade nodded… these were the times she loved him the best. Best friend mode always fit them.
"Called me about the sanctions for environmental issues…" She said as she got up and walked to the couch. He followed understanding the assignment. He wrapped his arms around her pulling her close.
"What was that like?" He asked resting his bony chin atop her head.
She looked up and pulled at his goatee that position always tickled her. She readjusted so they were face to face. "It brought back all those feelings from when we were teenagers. You know ?" She whispered. " I felt that same connection, that same pull I used to feel. But now… it's all so complicated. We're no longer just two young people. I'm the President of the United States, and she's a dictator."
Beck kissed her forehead glad to serve his friend as a comfort, then rested his cheek on her forehead."You never really got over her, did you?"
Jade shook her head. "I thought I had, or at least I tried to. But hearing her voice again, feeling that old familiarity... It's like nothing's changed, even though everything has."
"Maybe that's because you never really let go," Beck suggested softly. "It's clear that you still care about her."
Jade's face grew troubled. "She hated what we'd been doing… she said she couldn't be gay."
Beck leaned forward, his expression serious. "Jade, maybe that's not something you can control. People grow and change, and so do feelings. If she is still closeted, then maybe she was never truly yours to have. You're a leader now. You have to think about your responsibilities and how they affect everyone around you."
Jade nodded, her gaze distant. "You're right. I can't afford to let these feelings disrupt my duties or my life. It's just... hard. I keep wondering if things could have been different."
Beck reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "You're the President. You have a country to lead and a future to shape. Tori is a part of that past, but not the present. Your focus has to be on what's best for the country and yourself."
Jade squeezed his hand, her resolve firming. "You're right. I need to focus on my responsibilities and not get lost in what might have been. It's not the right time or place for those feelings. I have to keep moving forward."
Beck gave her a reassuring smile. "And you will. You're strong and capable, and you've got people who care about you and support you."
Jade nodded, a small smile breaking through her resolve. "Thank you, Beck. That means more than you know."
Jade sat at the head of the large conference table in the West Wing, her pen tapping rhythmically against the wooden surface. Her top advisors and campaign team were deep in discussion. Chief of Staff Lucas was detailing the latest advancements in solar energy.
"Since the Biden administration's infrastructure plan was implemented fifteen years ago, we've seen a 40% increase in solar energy production across Middle America," Lucas explained. "This has resulted in a 20% reduction in carbon emissions, and projections show a further 30% reduction in the next decade if we continue on this path."
Julia, the speechwriter, added, "We need to highlight this in your State of the Union Address. Emphasize that we're not only addressing climate change but also creating jobs and boosting the economy in these regions. It's a win-win."
Jade nodded, her gaze sharp. "Exactly. And regarding foreign policy, our relationship with Yerba is crucial. We need to address the sanctions and the upcoming environmental summit. Eliza, what do you think?"
Eliza, the Communication's Czar, leaned forward. "We should mention the temporary suspension of sanctions to allow Yerba to present their new plan. This shows our willingness to engage diplomatically while maintaining pressure for real change."
Rachel, the Campaign Manager, spoke up next. "For the New Hampshire Primary, we need to connect with union workers. There's been unrest recently, and we need to show them that we're listening and that their concerns are valid."
"Absolutely," Jade agreed. "We need to plan rallies in New Hampshire and Iowa, focusing on union workers. Reinforce our stance on supporting unions and workers' rights. That needs to be a core part of my State of the Union as well."
Marcus, the Press Secretary, added, "We should frame it around the idea that unions are the backbone of our middle class. They ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security. We need to promise to protect and strengthen them."
Danielle, her primary aide, scribbled notes rapidly. "We should also talk about specific policies you'll implement to support unions, like opposing right-to-work laws and pushing for better benefits and protections."
Jade glanced at the clock and then back at her team. "These are all excellent points. Let's integrate them into the draft. Julia, make sure the environment, Yerba, and union support are prominent in the speech. Highlight our accomplishments and our plans for the future."
Julia nodded, jotting down notes. "Got it. I'll have a draft ready by tomorrow morning."
Jade stood up, signaling the end of the meeting. "I have to cut this short. It's time for my Tiny Cabinet meeting."
The team chuckled softly, understanding the importance of this daily ritual. Jade left the room, walking briskly towards the Oval Office where her children awaited. She entered the room with a smile, ready to dedicate her full attention to Hazel, Ivy, and Luke.
Jade stepped out of the elevator and into the quiet hallway of the East Wing, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. The day's events weighed heavily on her mind. The meetings, the preparations for the primary run, the State of the Union Address—all had consumed her thoughts, leaving little room for anything else. As she walked, she felt a familiar ache, a longing for the intimate comfort that Beck used to provide.
Reaching the residence, she paused for a moment outside Luke's door, hearing the low murmur of Beck's voice reading a bedtime story. She took a deep breath and pushed the door open gently. Beck glanced up and gave her a small smile before continuing with the story. Luke, snuggled under his blankets, looked up at her with sleepy eyes and a grin that melted her heart.
"Mommy," Luke said softly, reaching out for her.
Jade walked over to the bed, sitting down beside Beck. She put an arm around Luke, feeling his small, warm body relax against her. Beck continued reading, his voice a soothing presence in the room. As they read together, Jade felt a sense of normalcy that was all too rare in her life.
When the story ended, they both kissed Luke goodnight, tucking him in securely. "Sweet dreams, buddy," Beck whispered, and they both left the room quietly.
In the hallway, Jade and Beck exchanged a look, a silent acknowledgment of the shared moment. They walked together towards the living room, where the remnants of the day's stress seemed to dissipate in the comforting presence of their home.
Jade sat down on the couch, her mind wandering back to when they first decided to be together. She remembered the late-night conversations, the shared dreams, and the mutual respect that had initially drawn them to one another. Beck sat beside her, his presence a grounding force in her otherwise tumultuous life.
She thought about the times they had been each other's confidants, the way he had always been there to hold her when the weight of the world became too much. The realization that she no longer had that intimate outlet hit her harder than she expected. She longed to be held, to feel that connection again.
Beck broke the silence, his voice gentle. "You okay?"
Jade nodded, but her eyes betrayed the complexity of her emotions. "Just...thinking."
"About?"
"Everything. Nothing," she said with a sigh. "Just...us, I guess."
Beck nodded, understanding. "It's a lot to process. But we'll get through it."
She leaned her head on his shoulder, grateful for his steady presence, even if things had changed between them. As they sat there, side by side, Jade's thoughts drifted back to the early days of their relationship, the reasons they had stayed together.
Jade's mind drifted back to a time when her life was equally complex but in a very different way. She was back in her dorm room at Augusta University, surrounded by textbooks and study notes for her LSATs. Beck was there, as he often was, their friendship having taken on a more intimate dimension over the past few months. They weren't dating, but their connection was deep, both emotionally and physically.
She remembered that night vividly. They had just finished another round of sex, both of them breathless and tangled in the sheets. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of her desk lamp, casting a warm light over their bodies.
"Beck, I need to tell you something," she had said, her voice trembling slightly. She felt his arm tighten around her in response, a silent encouragement.
"What is it?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.
"I'm pregnant," Jade whispered, her eyes filling with tears she couldn't hold back.
Beck shifted, propping himself up on one elbow to look at her. "What are you going to do?" he asked, his voice steady, but she could see the worry in his eyes.
Jade took a shaky breath. "I was planning to fly home and get an abortion, but..." She trailed off, her voice breaking. "But I'm broke, Beck. I don't have the money, and after the Dobbs decision..." Her voice faltered again as she recalled the ruling that had overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing states like Georgia to enforce strict abortion bans. "I don't even qualify for an abortion here."
The Dobbs decision had changed everything. States now had the power to regulate abortion access, and Georgia's laws were among the strictest. Jade didn't meet the criteria for a legal abortion under the state's ban, which only allowed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or severe medical emergencies.
Beck's face hardened with resolve. "I'll take care of you," he said firmly.
Jade looked at him, her tears spilling over. "How? We can't afford this."
"Marry me," Beck said, his voice steady and sincere. "I love you, Jade. You're my best friend. We'll figure this out together."
She stared at him in shock, her mind racing. This wasn't how she had envisioned her future, but the warmth in Beck's eyes, the certainty in his voice, made her believe it might just work.
"You really want to do this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes," he said without hesitation. "I want to be with you. I want to support you and our baby. Marry me, Jade."
She searched his eyes, finding nothing but unwavering commitment and love. Slowly, she nodded, a tentative smile breaking through her tears. "Okay," she whispered. "I'll marry you."
Beck leaned in, kissing her tenderly, sealing their promise. They lay back in her dorm bed, naked and intertwined, the weight of their decision settling over them. In that moment, despite the uncertainty and fear, Jade felt a glimmer of hope and a sense of belonging she hadn't known before.
They stayed like that for a while, holding each other close, their futures now irrevocably intertwined.
Jade snapped back to the present, the remnants of her past thoughts hanging heavy in the air. The warmth of the memory was still vivid, but reality was pressing in on her. That was the reason about a year later she was accepted at Stamford Law, choosing to go back home and get as far away from restrictive Georgia as she could… but by then The Twins were almost two.
She glanced over at Beck, sitting on the couch next to her, was busy reading through some documents, his presence a constant but distant reminder of their complicated history.
She wanted to ask him to come to bed, to seek the comfort and intimacy she missed, but the words lodged in her throat. Instead, she settled for a simple "Goodnight" before walking towards her bedroom.
The chill of January seeped through the windows of the East Wing, a light snow dusting the outside world, adding a serene backdrop to her internal turmoil. She walked into her bedroom, her thoughts still drifting between past and present. She turned on the TV, seeking a distraction, and was met with coverage of Yerba and its new leader. The sight of Tori, poised and confident, caught her attention.
Jade watched as Tori spoke to the press, the screen displaying the sharp contrast between her elegance and the harsh reality of Jade's own loneliness. Her eyes lingered on Tori's face, and the memories of their conversation from earlier in the day flooded back. Tori's voice, after all these years, stirred something deep within her.
Unable to tear her gaze away, Jade felt a mix of yearning and frustration. The TV showed Tori in a photo op in Milan Fashion Week the year before, where she showed off her Beautiful backless gown that had made Jade's mouth water. Jade's breathing grew shallow as she paused the screen, focusing solely on Tori's face. The memory of Tori's touch, her warmth, and the emotions they once shared surged through her.
With a heavy heart, Jade undressed slowly, her movements automatic but laced with a deep longing. She lay back on the bed, her mind awash with vivid memories of Tori. She closed her eyes, allowing her imagination to take over. In her mind's eye, Tori was there, close, her presence as tangible as if she were really there. The imagined touch, the whispered words of love, and the tender caresses played out in her fantasies, providing the solace she craved.
Her body responded to the visions, each touch and kiss in her mind intensifying her arousal. Jade's breathing grew erratic as she brought herself to the peak of her desire, the memories of Tori fueling her pleasure. The release was bittersweet, a mixture of pleasure and pain, as the reality of her loneliness set in once more.
Afterward, as the waves of satisfaction ebbed away, the emptiness left behind was palpable. Jade lay there in the dim light, tears spilling from her eyes as she faced the crushing weight of her unfulfilled longing. The snow outside seemed to fall harder, a reflection of her inner turmoil.
She cried herself to sleep, the only solace coming from the distant echoes of a love that once was.