Hello! This chapter was hard to write because it involved the McCord kids. I feel like it comes off as cheesy, but I also felt like Henry and Elizabeth needed this. Let me know what you think! Reviews and feedback are always welcome. Enjoy!
"What if Russell is dead?" Elizabeth whispered against his chest from the backseat of the SUV Agent Grant was driving. He told them they would be home in about fifteen minutes, barring any more catastrophes.
Henry tightened his hold around her. "He's not."
"You don't know that."
You can't blame yourself.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We can call and check on Russell later. I'm sure he's going to pull through."
Elizabeth squeezed her eyes shut. Several tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Babe, none of this is your fault. It was a drunk driver. There is nothing we could have done to prevent it." Henry felt tears wetting his shirt, and he stroked Elizabeth's back.
"Everyone around me is getting hurt. What if it keeps happening? What if something happens to the kids because of me? Or you? I can't…"
Henry pulled her closer. "Breathe, Babe."
She shook her head. "I can't do this without you, Henry. I just…can't."
"I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me. Now breathe."
Elizabeth took a shallow breath. "I'm so tired…"
Henry knew that she meant she was exhausted on a deeper level with everything going on. He knew all of her phrases when she was overwhelmed and this one in particular meant that she was ready to shut the world out because she felt out of control.
He kissed the top of her head. "I know. It'll be okay soon. We're almost home."
She pressed her face deeper into his chest, and he marveled at the love he still felt for her all these years later. Sometimes he wished that they were both just professors at UVA again so she wouldn't have a target on her back at all times. If she was out of the public eye, Henry wouldn't have to worry about her being protected from crazy people who have issues with the current President or even from people within the administration. As many doors as being Secretary of State opened up for them, Henry couldn't help but weigh the costs.
Watching Elizabeth in that warehouse with Farhad Azimi stirred every protective instinct in Henry and he knew that there was a lengthy conversation in their future about what her next steps would be regarding her job as Secretary of State.
The privacy screen came down in the SUV, breaking Henry out of his thoughts. "We're here, Madam Secretary," Agent Grant said.
Elizabeth lifted her head off Henry's chest. "Finally," she said.
Henry moved so that he could help her out of the backseat. As soon as they were out of the car, Henry nodded to Agent Grant and turned to put his arm around Elizabeth. Henry sighed. "It feels like a month has passed."
Elizabeth laughed. "I know. It doesn't feel real that we're actually home. I'm not leaving the house for at least three days."
Henry smiled at her. "Sounds perfect."
An agent stood at the security gate, staring straight ahead.
Elizabeth paused and then laced her fingers in Henry's. He pulled her closer.
He must be Secret Service.
"Good evening, Madam Secretary and Dr. McCord. Welcome home," the Secret Service agent said, nodding to both of them. "The children tried to leave when they heard about the car accident on the news, but my directive from the President was to have them stay here. I'm sure they are ready to see you." He opened the gate and ushered them inside toward the front door.
The kids saw the accident on the news? They were probably worried sick.
"Thanks." Henry opened the front door and breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Man, I'm glad to be home with Elizabeth and the kids.
"We're home!" Elizabeth called out.
Henry led them both to the stairs and yelled for the kids. "Stevie?! Ali?! Jason?!"
"Dad is that you?" Stevie yelled back. She walked into the living room from the kitchen and stopped in her tracks as she locked eyes with Elizabeth. "Mom?"
"Hi, Baby," Elizabeth said, opening her arms.
Stevie stepped forward and hugged her mother tightly. "Oh my God, are you okay?" she asked, eyes filling with tears.
"Yeah, I'm still sore, but I'm mostly alright." Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her oldest daughter and reveled in the feeling of being able to hold her child again.
Tears stung Henry's eyes as he watched Elizabeth and Stevie drawing comfort from each other. He wrapped his arms around both of them and vowed to always cherish moments like these.
"Mom? Dad?" two voices called from upstairs.
"We're down here!" Henry shouted, turning out of the hug. Stevie refused to let go of her mother and Elizabeth seemed content to let her cling.
Ali and Jason came running down the stairs.
"Mom! Are you okay?" Ali asked, tears filling her eyes. She paused at the bottom of the stairs taking in the bruises on Elizabeth's face. Jason stood frozen on the last step.
Elizabeth loosened her grip on Stevie to look at Alison. "Hey, Noodle. I'm okay, I promise."
Ali reached for her mother and buried her face in her shoulder, while sobbing. "I thought you were dead."
"It's okay. I'm here," Elizabeth said, rubbing Ali's back and hugging her tight.
"Everything I heard on the news about what happened…" Ali mumbled.
Elizabeth kissed the top of Ali's head. "I know, Baby. I'm here."
Alison had always been more emotional than Stevie and Jason, and watching the exchange between her and Elizabeth was breaking Henry's heart. Ali felt things deeply and her sensitive nature was one of the things that they loved about her.
I'm so sorry that you were here without us.
"Hey, Dad," Jason interrupted, his face stoic. He stepped down a stair, standing next to Henry.
Henry reached out to squeeze Jason's shoulder. "Hey Jase. You good?"
"Is Mom really okay?" Jason whispered.
"She's still healing, but yeah."
"That's good."
Ali pulled out of the hug, but kept contact with her arm wrapped around her mom's shoulder. Stevie reached for Elizabeth's hand and squeezed it. They all turned their attention to Jason.
"Hi, Jase," Elizabeth said, smiling at her son.
Jason took a deep breath and crossed his arms. "Hey, Mom."
Elizabeth and Henry exchanged looks in an attempt to figure out why Jason was currently refusing to hug his mother.
"Stop pretending to be tough, and get over here to hug Mom," Stevie said, breaking the awkward silence.
Jason took a cautious step forward.
Elizabeth locked eyes with Jason. "I'm okay, I promise. It looks worse than it feels."
He nodded. "I'm glad you're back." Jason hugged Elizabeth so fast that she barely had time to fully wrap her arms around him.
She gave Henry a look as soon as Jason pulled out of the hug.
Something is going on with him.
"Where is this pasta I was promised? I'm starving!" Elizabeth said, changing the subject.
"Let me go set the table," Ali replied, making her way to the kitchen with Stevie.
Henry turned to Jason when he made no move to head towards the kitchen. "You already eat?" he asked.
"No. I'm not hungry."
Henry sighed. I'm not fighting with Jason right now. "Okay, Jase. We'll talk later."
Jason rolled his eyes and then walked up the stairs.
Teenagers.
Henry wrapped his arm around Elizabeth's shoulder and felt her lean into his side. "How's the leg?"
"It's fine," she replied, slowing walking with Henry toward the kitchen. "What's up with Jason?"
"No idea. I'll talk to him after dinner."
As Elizabeth and Henry entered the kitchen, the smell of dinner made her stomach growl. Stevie pulled garlic bread out of the oven and placed it on the island. "Get some while it's hot," she said, wiggling her eyebrows at her parents.
"Looks good," Henry said, reaching for a piece and taking a big bite. "Delicious!"
Elizabeth clasped her hands together in anticipation of food. "Noodle, bring me my plate, please."
Ali grabbed a plate from the table and walked it over to her mom. "Here you go."
"Thanks, Baby," Elizabeth replied. She grabbed a piece of the garlic bread, took a bite, and then placed it on her plate. "Oh my God, that's the best bread I've ever tasted."
"I'm glad you like it," Stevie said, smiling.
I'm so happy that she's feeling well enough to eat.
Elizabeth served herself some pasta and sauce and then felt Henry wrap his arm around her shoulder to help her walk to the table.
Once she sat down, she looked up at him. "Thanks."
"Of course." He kissed the top of her head and went back to the island to grab the food and bring it over to the table so they could all serve themselves. He grabbed the pitcher of water out of the fridge and placed it in the center of the table after pouring himself and Elizabeth a glass.
Elizabeth took a bite of her pasta and closed her eyes. "This is amazing. Seriously, Ali. You outdid yourself."
Ali smiled at her and then took a bite of her food as well. "Thanks, Mom."
"So, what did you guys do while we were gone?" Henry asked, taking a sip of his water.
Stevie sighed. "Worried about you guys. Watched the news. Called Russell like fifteen times to get answers, but no one would tell us anything."
Elizabeth put her fork down. "I'm so sorry we couldn't tell you more about what was happening. I wish we could have."
Henry reached over and grabbed her hand.
"It really sucks sometimes not knowing," Ali said, avoiding eye contact with both of her parents.
"I know. I'm sorry," Elizabeth replied.
Stevie slammed her fork down, startling Elizabeth. "We're old enough to know! I work at the White House. You can't shut us out. Do you know what it feels like to see that your parents were in a serious car accident on the news? Do you have any idea how terrifying it is to have Dad come and say that there was a situation in Geneva and that you were hurt but he couldn't tell me why or what that meant?"
I am so sorry, Stevie. I can only imagine how you felt.
Tears were streaming down Stevie's face but she made no attempt to wipe them away. "I thought both of you were dead."
Elizabeth let go of Henry's hand, pushed back from her chair, and slowly walked to Stevie, enveloping her in a hug. "I'm so sorry, Baby." She rubbed her back while Stevie sobbed. "You shouldn't have to deal with any of this."
Stevie buried her face in Elizabeth's chest, pasta forgotten.
Henry's heart completely shattered at the scene in front of him. What have we put the kids through?
Ali twirled her pasta around her fork, eyes downcast. "We know that you can't tell us every detail because of Mom's job. But it's been really hard to act like everything's okay when it's clearly not."
Henry gripped Ali's hand. "I know, Noodle. I'm sorry."
She nodded reluctantly.
Stevie pushed away from Elizabeth's chest for a minute and looked up at her mom. "Your bruises look bad. Are you sure you're okay?"
Elizabeth smiled. "Yes. The bruises will fade. I'm just glad all of you are safe."
You are so selfless, Babe.
What do you say we finish our pasta and then watch a movie as a family in the living room? We'll make popcorn," he suggested, attempting to lighten the mood.
Elizabeth smiled at him. "That sounds great, Babe. The cheesier the movie, the better. Right girls?"
Stevie and Alison both nodded and gave her a half smile.
Elizabeth clapped her hands. "Good, it's settled, then. I'm going to eat the World's Best pasta and garlic bread, shower, and then we'll regroup in the living room." She kissed the top of Stevie's head, got up from the chair they were sharing, and walked back over to the other side of the table to finish her food.
As soon as the plates were empty and the garlic bread was gone, Ali stood up to put the dirty dishes in the sink.
"You don't have to do that, Ali. We'll clean up," Henry said.
Ali shrugged. "It's no trouble. Stevie and I can clean up and Mom can go shower and get changed."
"You sure?" Elizabeth asked.
Stevie nodded and stood to help Alison clear the table. "Yeah. It's fine."
"Who are you and what have you done with my real children?" Elizabeth joked.
"Ha. Ha. Seriously. We got this. Go shower. We'll pick a movie while you're gone."
"If you insist…"
Elizabeth stood and Henry helped her up the stairs to their bedroom. It was slow going because of her leg.
"You okay?" he asked, when she leaned heavily into his side about half-way up the stairs.
"Yeah, let's just keep going," she replied, breathless.
Henry stopped. "Babe, I don't want you to overdo it."
She winced and then took a deep breath in. "I can make it."
They continued their trek up the stairs. When they passed Jason's room, Henry could hear music blaring and he made a mental note to check on Jason while Elizabeth was in the shower. They stepped into their bedroom and Henry heard Elizabeth release the breath she was holding. "I can't believe we're finally here," she said.
He led her to the bed and she flopped down onto it, exhausted from the stairs. Henry helped her take off her shoes and then sat down next to her on the bed. "You need help in the shower?" he asked.
Elizabeth eyes were filled with tears.
"Hey, it's no problem if you need help, Babe. I don't mind. I know it's hard to stand for long periods of time," he said, rubbing her shoulder.
"What have I done to the kids?" she whispered through tears.
Love them. Help them. Cherish them.
Henry pulled her into a hug. "Babe, this isn't your fault."
"How can it not be? My job did this," she mumbled against his chest.
He stroked her back, trying to soothe. "No, insane people did. You were just caught in the middle of it."
She continued to sob against his chest. "The kids thought we were dead. I cannot imagine how terrified they were."
"I know, Babe. It isn't fair. But we'll talk to them some more. It will all be okay."
She pushed away from his chest quickly and pleaded with him. "I need to quit. It's the only way for us to be a family again."
Henry cupped her face gently. "Whoa, let's not make any rash decisions. We can talk about it some more later," he said, leaning in to kiss her softly. Elizabeth closed her eyes at the contact. "For now, I really think you will feel better after you take a shower."
"But I…"
"Babe, please. I think it will help you reset. That sponge bath I gave you in the hospital was decent, but I know it's not the same as a real shower."
Elizabeth fiddled with the bedspread, avoiding eye contact with Henry.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm worried about falling. My leg is really hurting," she admitted.
Crap. The prescription. We need to pick it up soon.
"No worries, Babe. I'll help you. And I'll fill that prescription tomorrow."
She nodded. "Okay."
Henry stood up from the bed. "Ready?" he asked, holding out his hand to lead her to the bathroom.
About half an hour later, Elizabeth was dressed in pajamas and towel drying her hair in front of the mirror. "I think you should wash my hair more often, Henry."
"Why's that?" he asked, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her shoulders.
"You do it better."
He laughed. "I'll remember that."
"Ready to go watch a movie with the kids and eat some popcorn until we fall asleep?"
Elizabeth smiled at Henry in the mirror. "Sounds like a perfect night."
The two of them carefully made their way down the stairs and into the living room. Half way down the stairs, Elizabeth's leg starting shaking and Henry offered to carry her the rest of the way. "Babe, I hate seeing you in pain."
"It's fine. I just need a minute," she said, leaning into Henry.
She's so stubborn sometimes.
A few minutes later, Elizabeth plopped down on the couch while Stevie came and sat down to her left, resting her head on her mom's shoulder. Ali came in from the kitchen, bowl of popcorn in hand. She set it down on the coffee table and took a seat on the floor by Elizabeth's legs.
"What movie do you guys want to watch?" Elizabeth asked.
"Nothing sad," Ali said.
Stevie nodded against Elizabeth's shoulder. "Yeah, we need something cheesy or funny."
"You guys pick the movie. I'll be right back. I want to talk to Jason really quick," Henry said, bending down to give Elizabeth a quick peck on the lips.
"Don't be too long. I can't promise the popcorn will be here when you get back," she replied, smiling.
"I'll keep that in mind," he said, heading up the stairs to Jason's room.
Standing in front of Jason's door, Henry knocked loud enough to be heard over the music coming out of his room.
"Jason!"
Henry tried the door knob and found it unlocked. He opened the door and Jason immediately turned his head.
"What?" he shouted.
"Turn the music down!"
Jason rolled his eyes, but shut off the music. "What do you want, Dad?"
Henry took a deep breath. "Jase, what is going on with you?"
"Nothing." Jason sat down on his bed, arms crossed and eyes downcast.
Henry walked over and took a seat next to Jason on the bed. "Obviously something is wrong. You didn't eat dinner and you're acting like you don't even want to be around your mom and me, so spill it. Did something happen while we were gone?"
"No."
"What's the reason you're so upset?"
"I'm fine," Jason replied, still not making eye contact with Henry.
Henry rubbed Jason's shoulder. "Jase. I'm not mad at you. I just want to understand what's going on."
Jason took a deep breath. "Do you know what I said to Mom before she left to go to Geneva?"
"I don't."
"I told her that she was ruining my life because she wouldn't let me go to Six Flags America this weekend with some friends from school."
Oh. Jason.
"She knows you didn't really mean that."
Silent tears rolled down Jason's face. "What if that was the last thing I ever said to her?"
Henry put his arm around Jason's shoulder. "It wasn't. And she knows you love her. I promise she isn't mad at you."
"How could she not be?" he asked, through tears.
"Because she loves all of you more than anything else. All she wanted to do was come home to you guys. You have to believe me, Jase." Henry reached for Jason and pulled him into a hug.
It's been a while since Jason has broken down like this. Poor kid.
"I'm glad Mom is okay," he said, through tears.
"Me too. I bet if you tell her you're sorry, it will make you feel better."
Jason nodded. "Okay."
"Want to come downstairs and watch a movie with all of us?" Henry asked.
"Yeah, I guess. Is there any leftover pasta?"
So you're hungry now. I knew not eating wouldn't last forever.
Henry smiled. "Yeah, let's go get you some dinner."
Jason stood up from his bed and Henry followed him out of the room. Jason practically ran down the stairs and into the kitchen, looking for the pasta. Henry walked into the living room and sat down next to Elizabeth. She leaned into his side, sighing contentedly. "Everything okay with Jase?" she asked.
"Yeah, he's okay. Just grabbing some pasta."
Elizabeth searched Henry's eyes, knowing that he was holding something back. She made a mental note to ask him about it later.
"So what are we watching?" Henry asked Stevie and Alison.
"How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days!" they replied in unison.
Henry groaned. "Really? A cheesy RomCom? Don't Jason and I get a say?"
Stevie smiled. "Nope. Mom already agreed to it. You and Jase are out voted."
Jason came into the living room and sat in the chair adjacent to the couch. He took a big bite of pasta. "What are we out voted on?"
"The movie. We're watching a RomCom," Henry replied.
"Oh you know you secretly like them," Elizabeth teased.
"Some of them can be okay, but give me car crashes and explosions any day. Right Jase?"
Jason took another bite of pasta and then smiled at Henry. "Right."
Stevie started the movie and then took a seat on the end of the couch. Ali reached for the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table and handed it to her mom. Elizabeth moved around until she was leaning against Henry's chest.
There is no place else I would rather be than right here.
The house phone rang, startling all of them. Henry groaned and then got up from the couch to grab it. "Hello?"
"Dr. McCord, the President is here," the Secret Service agent said.
Just when I thought things had settled down…
Henry sighed. "Let him in."