King of the Mountain:
Part 39
Lynn Jepsen
All I've managed to do today is stare out the window. Charlie stopped by
to talk to Sam this morning. He's going to teach at Georgetown, and you
know what? I really can't blame him. I think if I could jump off the
bandwagon right about now, I would. "Ma'am, are you ready to go?" I guess
so. Are you sure I can't back out now? "It'll be fine. Come on." Yeah,
sure. I'm coming. Where's Elle? "Mr. Lyman took her down to the car."
Okay, let's go.
Sam's waiting for me in the lobby of the hotel, and he squeezes my hand
on the walk to the limo. Josh is already inside bouncing Elle on his
knee, and trying to get her to recite the oath of office. Josh! She's
still mastering words like 'toy' and 'blankie'. I don't think she's going
to repeat after you. Give it a couple years. He gives me this lopsided
grin then, and Elle clammers into my arms. That's my girl. Let's show
Uncle Josh that he can't figure out women of any age. It doesn't seem to
phase him today. Josh Lyman elected my husband President. I think they're
both on cloud nine.
Settling into my seat for the Inaugural, I feel CJ squeeze my shoulder,
and I can hear Toby's voice booming behind me in the January cold.
Justice Mendoza is somewhere behind me, and when I talked to him earlier,
he was busy rehearsing the oath of office. I suppose stumbling over a
word today would be bad. Just don't let Sam fall off the balcony or
anything. Please?
The music kicks in then, and everyone stands. I'm on auto pilot now, and
this is going to be one of those moments in life I remember in flashes
and pieces from videos I'm sure I'll see later. When Sam steps up to the
podium, Josh nudges me forward. Right, I'm supposed to hold the bible.
Could I point out the fact that my feet are frozen and use that as an
excuse not to walk up there?
I fumble with the book for a moment, and I'm glad I marked the page I
wanted to use last night, because in gloves, I'd never be able to find
it. The verse, it reminds me of Sam in a lot of ways, and I'm sure it
will be something to remember over the next four years.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the
meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the
merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for
they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called
sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness'
sake, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven."
Sam rests his left hand on the book, and I catch a glimpse of his new
wedding ring on his hand. Then, he raises his right hand, and I hear him
speak. "I do solemnly swear..." he pauses to take a deep breath, and I
can't tear my eyes away from his face. "...that I will faithfully execute
the office of the President of the United States, and will, to the best
of my ability...." His ability to do this is considerable. I just hope
we can all hang on for the ride. ".... preserve, protect, and defend the
Constitution of the United States...." He glances at me then, and I smile
faintly at him. "So help me God."
Several people press forward for a handshake, and I motion for Josh to
step up. Forget these stuffed shirts. We wouldn't be here if it weren't
for Josh. He steps forward then, and extends a hand. "Mr. President." Sam
claps him on the back, and smiles. Diana and Toby are still sitting,
heads together, with black pens and a copy of the Inaugural, and I've got
my fingers crossed as they announce President Seaborn. The speech is
shuffled together and quickly slipped into place as Sam steps up to the
podium. Let's just hope the pages are in order.
*
The morning of January 21, 2011 is just like alot of mornings, except for
the fact that I wake up in the White House. Brutus is sprawled across the
foot of the bed, and I turn to wake up Sam, only to find his side of the
bed empty. What time is it? I sit up in bed, and stretch when the
blinking of Sam's alarm clock nearly knocks me out of bed. There is no
way it can be eleven thirty. No way. Throwing back the covers, I disturb
Brutus' nap and catch site of a note on the side table. He took Elle to
the Oval Office?
Twenty minutes later, I'm halfway down to Sam's office, when I realize
I'm about to stroll into the West Wing. No, I'm about to stroll into the
Oval Office. I glance at the Secret Service agents trailing me, and shake
my head. One of them tries to guide me through the entry, and Brutus
growls from his spot beside me. Who needs armed guards with Brutus
around? People glance up as I walk through, but I don't stop until I get
to Josh's new digs. Rachel is shouting at him through the open door, and
I want to laugh, I really do. I tug her ponytail on my way through, and
she waves me by. "Ma'am." Josh jumps to his feet, and I glare. I don't
mean to, but it just works that way.
Josh, let's get something straight. That was the first and last time you
ever call me ma'am. Are we clear on that? "Yes, ma'am." Okay, that's
enough. I throw a pillow at him from the couch, and he ducks, holding his
hands up in surrender. "Fine! Fine! Lisa! Okay?" Yeah. Is he free? "I
just barely escaped. He's introducing Donnatella to the Joint Chiefs."
Heaven help us. Okay, I'm gonna go.... "Yeah. Rescue them now, and the
military will pledge loyalty to you."
King of the Mountain: Part 39
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