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Disclaimer- see Part 1 "That's Karma For You"- Part 7 As it happened Caitlin didn't have a chance to see her father before the party. He was in constant meetings and conferences and wasn't even in the White House most of the day. Also hard to find was Sam. She tried to go see him after leaving her mother to find out what happened, but Kathy said he'd suddenly remembered a meeting on the Hill and had to leave. Caitlin waited as long as she could but finally had to go home to get ready. Around 7pm, Caitlin and Donna walked into the White House together and headed upstairs to the Residence where Caitlin's birthday party was being held. "Donna, I don't know. Maybe we should call off the party." "Call it off? You weren't even supposed to know about it. I'm still miffed at your sister for ruining my surprise." "It wasn't really her fault. I had a feeling you were up to something so I blackmailed her with a juicy piece of info I had on her." Caitlin said smiling. "Ah! You ruined my surprise!" Donna exclaimed. "I'm sorry, but you are a terrific roommate for trying." "The best roommate you've ever had?" Donna pushed in a childlike manner. "Watch how you answer that Bartlet!" a voice came behind them. Caitlin turned to see two of her college roommates: Rachel Silva and Olivia Wagner. "I don't know Rach. Donna is a great roommate." Caitlin said smiling. "Yeah I am." Donna joined in putting her arm around Caitlin. Then she noticed a food display and shrieked "No, no, no, that's all wrong." She rushed off to handle the problem. "Hey girls." Caitlin said going over to give her two friends a hug. "Where's Bryan and the baby?" Caitlin asked Olivia about her husband and son. "Jakob was a little cranky today so Bryan agreed to stay home so I could have a girls night out." "So how's the day been birthday girl?" Rachel asked. "Please don't ask. I really don't want to talk about it." "Uh-oh. What happened?" Olivia asked. "My little...um...secret, no longer is one." "Oh man, your parents know about Sam?" Rachel asked. "Yep and my father is not happy." "Oh no" Olivia said. "I want details." Rachel pushed. "Not now, ok? How about lunch tomorrow?" Caitlin asked. Her friends agreed and they moved into the main room where the party was being held. Caitlin smiled as she looked around the room. Donna had put a lot of effort into this. The food looked and smelled wonderful, the music was lively and everyone seemed to be having a great time. When she entered everyone stopped and applauded and Caitlin noticed all those who were there. Friends from college who stayed in DC after graduation, many White House staffers, and of course her family. Minus one however: her father. Caitlin frowned, a little worried and made her way over to her mother. "Mom, where's Dad?" "He's in our room changing." "Oh." Caitlin said relieved. She thought he wasn't coming for a minute. "I'm going to see if I can catch him before he arrives." She told her mother then moved out of the room. She was halfway down the hall when she saw her father heading her way. They both stopped for a moment, then the President slowly moved towards her. "Caitlin" he said quietly "Happy Birthday." "Thanks" she said a little awkwardly. She hated fighting with her father. They were always so close and now she couldn't even talk to him. But she had to. "Dad, can we talk for a minute?" "About Sam?" "Yes" "No" "Dad..." Caitlin implored. "I don't want to talk to you right now Caitlin." he interrupted. "Let's go to the party so you can enjoy your birthday." He said sadly but firmly then started towards the room. "It's too late for that." she answered quietly.
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