DISCLAIMER: The pre-existing characters mentioned in this submission are from the brilliant mind of Aaron Sorkin, the creative genius behind the West Wing. The original characters are of my own creation.

(This and subsequent submissions are written in script format. When you read this, you will need to read it as though you are watching it on TV. Anything that is not in "quotation marks" is considered to be stage direction, or info to help out your creativity in visioning things. By all means, use your imagination to picture things, but above all, enjoy!)

Guide: This is definitely best read after Hanging By A Thread, Parts 1 and 2. You won't know what's going on unless you do!

Synopsis: Zoey is coming home for vacation. The President and First Lady play basketball with some of the members of the Senior Staff. Sam is presented with memories and people from his past – pre-White House years, and C.J. and Josh think long and hard about their prospects in the romance department.

Rating: PG

7:32 a.m. Saturday morning, Sam's bedroom.

We see Sam and Melody, snuggled together in the bed, both looking content and peaceful, the sun

is shining brightly through the window. The phone rings, and Sam wakes up with a start. He grabs the phone beside the bed.

Sam – "Ya." (pause) "Ya, she's here. She's still asleep though."

Melody – gradually finding the strength to sit up in bed "I'm up, I'm up." Sam hands her the phone. Her

voice is kind of muffled as she answers. Through the conversation it becomes more alert.

"Hello." (pause) "Hey, what's up?" (pause) "Don't worry, it's ok." (pause) Sam mimes drinking

from a mug, meaning 'Do you want coffee?' She nods yes. He grabs the remote for the stereo

and turns it on. We hear the sounds of Sarah Brightman from the stereo. The song doesn't really

matter at this point. "No, you didn't interrupt anything. What's going on?" (pause) "You're

kidding." (pause) "You're kidding." (pause) "You're kidding!" (pause) "I am so there to help,

absolutely. What time should I be there?" (pause) Sam, entering the bedroom with two steaming

mugs of coffee and looks at her curiously. She holds out her hand and takes one of the mugs and

mouths the words thank you. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Hang on a sec." (to Sam) "Would you

mind if I went to Donna's today? We kind of bonded last night, and she wanted to hang out

together."

Sam – "That's cool. I'll drive you there. When?"

Melody – to Sam "Hang on." Back into the phone. "When?" (pause) towards Sam, but still in the phone.

Sam is walking towards the bathroom, he has to shave. He takes a sip of coffee, "About noon?"

He nods, then gives her a thumbs up as he turns on the bathroom light. "Cool. I'll see you then."

Melody hangs up the phone. "Sam, if you have other plans, don't worry about it."

Sam – from the bathroom "Son of a... Damn it!"

Melody – We hear the song 'Deliver Me' come from the stereo. Walking to the bathroom, coffee in hand,

"What did you do?" She opens the door and sees what happened. He has nicked himself, and it is

barely noticeable. She tries not to laugh, but can't help it.

Sam – "What? If you had to do this everyday you'd cut yourself on occasion."

Melody – She rests her coffee mug on the counter, and takes the razor from his hand "Sit on the edge of the

tub. Not like that – straddle the side of the tub, one leg on each side – it'll be easier that way." He

looks at her with a distrustful expression. "What, don't you trust me?"

Sam – making his face look terrified "Well, this is the first time I've had a girl come after me with a

razor."

Melody – "It won't be the last. Sam, I do this everyday. Well, not on my face, and definitely not to

anyone else. Relax." She has, while speaking, run a facecloth under warm water and wrung it out

in the sink. Sam has taken a sip from his coffee mug, while watching her every move. She has

the face cloth, shaving cream, razor and the holder from the counter and has put them on the side

of the tub. She gets a hand towel from the closet and places it in Sam's lap. She sits on the side of

the tub with him – they are both straddling the side of the tub, facing each other with the shaving

equipment in between them. She pauses for a moment – she can sense his nervousness. "Sam, do

you really think that I would let anything traumatic happen to this face?" (awkward pause) "Close

your eyes while I put this stuff on you, just in case some of it flies away on me." He does. "Now

hold still." She gets the shaving cream and applies it to his skin. She now tries to sound

professional, and is trying desparately not to think of how incredibly sensual this moment really is.

"The first problem, Mr. Seaborn, is you're not using enough shaving cream." She takes the razor,

and guides it gently across his skin, giving him a close, and a smooth shave. "You know, if you

have other things to do today, I can take a cab to Donna's."

Sam – He realizes what she is doing by talking about other things, and he tries desparately not to move

"I should check in at work today anyway. It's no problem."

Melody – she lifts the razor from the other side of his face "Stop moving!" She takes her finger and guides

his chin up a little, so she can get to the rest. She finishes shaving, and puts the razor in the

holder. She then opens the face cloth so that it is resting in both her hands. "I'm not done yet, sit

still! Geez – you're worse than a little kid." She puts the cloth across his face, as though she is

holding his face in her hands, and gently wipes the excess shaving cream off his face and neck

that have been left. She then takes the towel and dries the water on his skin. She looks at him,

inspecting her work. "Perfect."

Sam – teasing her, "What about the after shave?"

Melody - getting up from the tub and clearing away her supplies "You can torture yourself with that one.

That's not my area of expertise."

Sam - standing up to look in the mirror and inspect her work "That's really close. You did a good job.

Thanks. Are you free for a touch up tonight, say around 5?"

Melody – "Sure. My going rate is a party at the White House."

Sam - faking outrage "Parties at the White House? Do you think that I know the President or

something?"

Melody – turning into the bedroom "Actually, yes." Sam walks into the bedroom behind Melody. She

turns around, not realizing that he is right behind her. She jumps. "Dear God, Sam. That's twice

you've done that in 24 hours. Are you trying to give me a heart attack or something?" She walks

toward the dresser where her newly purchased clothes are. Sam pulls her back towards him,

gently of course, and wraps his arms around her waist. Melody looks up at him, knowing what he

is thinking. "Sam, I don't think..."

Sam - "I know it'll be difficult, but don't do that, just for one minute."

Melody – "Don't do what?"

Sam - "Don't think." He leans in for a kiss, but just as their lips are about to touch, the phone rings.

Obviously frustrated, "That bloody phone."

Melody – "It's fate. I'm going to get dressed."

10:47 a.m. Saturday Morning. The White House, Josh's office.

The West Wing is for the most part bare. There are a couple of cleaning service staff working, and

the odd Secret Service Agent pacing the halls to ensure the building is secure, but as far as Senior Staff

goes, he's the only one there.

Josh - his voice is heard saying these things, but it is an internal monologue. "C.J. is in the Residence

with the First Lady, finalizing preparations for the party. Toby's at home, on the phone with the President

listening to the Presidents thoughts, and then putting them together for a draft of a speech that He plans

to give tonight. Everyone else is getting ready for Zoey's party tonight, everyone but me." He has no

reason get all worked up. Donna's not coming. Why bother? He is working on a proposition which he

needs to prepare for the President for Monday morning. He closes his office door and turns the stereo

on full blast. We hear the sounds of 'American Woman' by The Guess Who loud and clear from his stereo.

We can see him mouthing the words, but for every phrase 'American Woman' he is substituting 'Oh, Donnatella.'

We can tell, from the rhythmic tapping of his pen on the desk that he's pissed off that he's working on a

Saturday, that everyone else has a date for this thing. To himself, he thinks "Here's Joshua, sitting in an office,

all by himself, when she is out there doing God knows what with God knows who." He doesn't realize that

Sam has opened the door to his office and is standing in the doorway listening to this.

Josh – singing to the music "Oh Donnatella, stay away from me. Oh Donnatella, mamma let me be.

Don't come a knocking around my door, don't wanna see your shadow no more. Colored lights can

hypnotize, sparkle someone else's eyes – now Donna, I said get away." Sam has sat down at Donna's

desk and calls in to Josh's office. Josh answers the phone. "Hello?"

Sam - "You really should ask her out you know, and butchering one of the classics won't help."

Josh - slamming down the phone and turning the stereo off, "She's out there doing God knows what

with God knows who Sam, and there's not a damn thing I can do about it."

Sam - "On the verge of being totally sac-religious, I must be god."

Josh - "What the hell are you talking about?"

Sam - "Oh just the fact that I know exactly where the woman you are trying desparately to forget is, and

that I know exactly what she's doing, and that I know exactly who she's with."

Josh - with a sense of urgency, "Spill it! Where? Doing what?"

Sam - "Easy there Tiger, she's with Mel. I guess they bonded last night, and Donna called this morning

and asked if Mel wanted to hang out. I dropped her by Donna's place before I came here."

Josh - "Did she say anything?"

Sam - "Who?"

Josh - "Donna."

Sam - "About?"

Josh - sarcastically "I don't know. The weather maybe?"

Sam - "She did say it was a beautiful day to watch movies. She did mention your name."

Josh - "What are they doing?"

Sam - "I don't know, girl stuff I guess. I don't think that I really want to know what that is though, do

you?"

Josh - "Not really." He reaches for his coffee, that is now freezing. He cringes as he swallows it. So as

not to raise any suspicion that he really cares, he quietly asks "What exactly did she say about

me?"

Sam - "I believe it was something along the lines of 'Josh is such a Dingus.'"

Josh - "Great. From Nimrod to Dingus. At least I'm moving up in the chain of insults."

Sam - "You have to be nice to her Josh. Donna's not the type of girl that you can push around,

figuratively speaking of course."

Josh - "It just pisses me off when I know that she is sitting at home tonight, by herself, instead of

coming to the party with me tonight and having a good time. Why would anyone be that dumb?"

Sam - "Hmmm. If I had to choose between an evening of sure fire hit movies or a date with Joshua

Lyman. That's a tough one buddy."

Josh - "Don't be a smart ass." Handing Sam a folder. "Seeing as you're here, look this over for me

would ya?"

Sam - "What's this?"

Josh - "It's the first 20 pages of the proposition that the President asked me to draft for him."

Sam - "What time did you come in this morning?"

Josh - "That doesn't matter."

Sam - "I hate to be the one to tell you this, well, actually no I don't. You look like hell. You slept here

last night didn't you?"

Josh - "No. I didn't sleep here."

Sam - "You slept somewhere in this building last night."

Josh - "The couch in your office is quite comfortable."

Sam - "What are you thinking of doing this when you haven't slept? You know how important this is for

the President. Why didn't you call me? I would have come in to help."

Josh - sulking, "You have company and I didn't want to bug you."

Sam - It is obvious to Sam that Josh is starting to get into a really bad funk, and that he needs to be

shaken out of it. Of course, it's mostly because he can't stop thinking about Donna, but Josh

would never formally admit that. "Josh, you need to get home to sleep. We'll get you something

to eat, I'll drive you home, then I'll come back here and get to work on fixing your mistakes."

Josh - "But what about Melody? Don't you have to get her?"

Sam - "I'll call her. I gave her my pager, so it's no worry. Let's get you home." Sam takes his

obviously exhausted friend's coat in his hand and hands it to him.

Josh - "Sam, don't tell Donna that I was singing about her, ok?"

Sam - "I won't. Besides, I'd like to forget that one myself." Josh walks out of the office ahead of Sam,

who shakes his head in disbelief. He speaks these words - "Oh Donnatella, stay away from me."

He shudders. "Oh God."

12:42 p.m.

Donna's apartment.

Melody and Donna are eating pizza, which of course, is covered with veggies. Donna is giving her

some protocol tips for her first White House Residence Party.

Melody – "So, what about if the President comes near where you are having a completely personal

conversation and he overhears part of it. Would I have anything to be worried about? Not that

I'm planning on having one at all, but you never know."

Donna - "The President is actually very cool. He knows where his limits on personal things are. I'm sure

he has things about himself that he doesn't want others to know about. It's a matter of trust. He

trusts us with confidential matters of state, and we know that we can trust him with any

confidential personal matters. It's a give and take situation. Don't worry about it. If he does hear

something, he'll probably make a little joke to you privately, but not in a cruel way. Just to get

you to relax, and to let you know that you can trust him not to repeat anything."

Melody – "So, when he comes in the room we stand up." Donna takes a bite of pizza, and nods. "When he

stands up, we stand up." Donna nods. "We have to ask to leave the room."

Donna - "In a private party situation, not if it's to use the washroom or something. If you're not feeling

well or something like that, then tell the First Lady. She's a doctor. He'd tell you to do that

anyway. What else?"

Melody – she is looking frustrated. "This is all so overwhelming. I just don't want to screw up and make

Sam feel embarrassed."

Donna - "Well, the President likes to make sure that all his guests have a good time. Don't be too surprised

if he takes you aside and talks with you for a few minutes. He usually does that at the private

parties, just to be the 'normal' host, even though he is the most powerful man in the free world."

Melody – "As if I wasn't nervous enough. Thanks."

Donna - "You know, I really like your hair like that. It really suits your face shape."

Melody – "Thanks. I kinda figured that the French roll would be the best – it always seems more formal in

this style than any other way. It's dumb for you to be staying home tonight. Why don't you

come?"

Donna - "I don't want to give Josh the satisfaction of knowing that I want to be there."

Melody – "Is there something..."

Donna - "With me and Josh? In his dreams. The funny thing is, that's probably true."

Melody – "Donna, I have an idea. What do you think about this?"

12:56 p.m. Josh's apartment

Josh and Sam are in the living room.

Josh – "Thanks again for the grub, man. I was hungry."

Sam – "No worries – I know it's hard to get take out in the White House on a Saturday. You'd better rest

up for tonight."

Josh – laying down on the couch "I don't think I'm gonna go."

Sam – "Are you out of what's left of your mind? The President will come here himself and drag you out

if you don't go. You have got to be kidding me."

Josh – "I just don't feel like it."

Sam – "Do you realize how many people would kill to be in our position? They would do anything to be

invited to a formal party at the White House, never mind in the Residence. You're crazy." Sam's

phone rings, and he answers it. "Hello." (pause) "Ya, I'm at his place right now." (pause) "I can do that.

No problem." (pause) "No problem."

Josh – "Who is that?"

Sam – "Toby – here's a blanket, go to sleep." He throws a blanket at his friend, and it lands on his head.

He doesn't bother to move it – he's really in a funk. "Ya." (pause) "When do you need this for?"

(pause) "Ya, I'll bring it by on my way home." (pause) "Sure. How's it going over there?"

(pause) "That's a scary thought. I'll see you later. Bye." He presses the button on his phone to

end the call. "Hey Josh, do you have those cufflinks I lent you at the State Dinner last month?"

Josh – his voice is muffled from under the blanket. "Ya – they're in my room. Go get them, I'm

sleeping."

Sam – "Well shut up then." Sam goes into the bedroom, and sees his cufflinks on the dresser. He walks

back out into the living room where Josh is curled up on the couch, with the blanket tucked around

him – he looks like a baby who is holding on to his precious blankie. "I'm gonna drop your tux

off at the one hour cleaners, just in case you change your mind, and I strongly suggest you do."

No answer from Josh – he's out like a light. "Have a good sleep, buddy." Sam opens the front

door of the apartment and walks out, closing the door behind him.

4:47 p.m., Sam's apartment.

Melody has turned on the classical music on the stereo, and is in Sam's bedroom in the process of

getting dressed. She is wearing Sam's robe, and is in the bathroom touching up her make-up when

the phone rings.

Sam - over the speaker. "Hey there, it's me." Melody walks over picks up the phone.

Melody – "Sam, where are you? I was beginning to wonder where you were."

Sam – "I just came from the office. I'm on my way, are you almost ready?"

Melody – "Yes, I just have to get my dress on."

Sam – "You mean you're walking around my apartment, you know..."

Melody – "You're driving, don't be thinking like that. Besides, the answer would be no. I get the dress on

last, it spares any wrinkles or creases."

Sam – "I see – a method to your madness."

Melody – "Exactly. When will you be here?"

Sam – "I'm just turning the corner now. I'll be up in a minute."

Melody – "Ok – see ya." She hangs up the phone and walks to the cupboard. She opens the door, and we

then hear the sound of keys in the door, and she closes the bedroom door.

Sam – from the living room "Mel, it's me. Are you ready?"

Melody – "I just hung up the phone a second ago, geez give me a minute."

Sam - "Ok." We hear the sound of a garment bag opening, and clothes being taken off hangers. Sam is

pacing the living room, in disbelief that he could be so nervous in his own home. "Do you need

any help?"

Melody – "I'm ok, thanks. Damn it – where are my shoes?"

Sam – "Your black ones are right here." He goes to the mat at the front door, bends over to pick up the

shoes when he hears the door open. He stands up and walks over towards the bedroom door.

Melody has walked out, and is wearing the most beautiful hunter green dress that Sam has ever

seen. Her hair has been set in a French roll as it was when she was at Donna's place, but there are

now little tendrils of long curls hanging delicately, accenting her neckline. Her dress is off the

shoulder, but she has a delicate wrap that covers her shoulders, should she get cold. Sam stands in

the middle of the living room, he is in shock.

Melody – seeing the expression on his face "What? Is this too much? What's wrong?"

Sam – with complete sincerity "Absolutely nothing. You look beautiful."

Melody – "Really? You don't think it's too much?"

Sam – "There is something missing though."

Melody – in a panic "What?"

Sam – "Wait right there." He goes to the kitchen, fumbles through a drawer, then comes out with

something in his hand. "Turn around for a sec."

Melody – reluctantly "Ok."

Sam – "Now, see that mirror over there?" She nods. "Walk over there for a minute." She does. "Close

your eyes." She does. A moment goes by, then he says "There – perfection."

Melody – "Can I open my eyes now?"

Sam – "Yes, of course." She opens her eyes, and sees what has been added. She turns to face him and

starts to get tears in her eyes. "What's wrong?"

Melody – "Sam, I can't accept this. I remember whose this was, and I can't wear this."

Sam – "My grandmother told me that the only condition in her giving me this, is that I would only let

someone wear it that would appreciate it for what it is. I don't think I could find anyone that

would appreciate it or that deserves it more than you."

Melody – "I can't believe how perfect this is." She turns to face the mirror again, and we see that Sam has

placed around her neck his grandmother's delicate gold chain, and the diamond pendant that was

given to her by his grandfather many years ago. It is perfect for this dress, as it sits at just the right

part of Melody's neck – just at the collar bone.

Sam – "Well my dear – are we ready to go?"

Melody – "I think so. Let me just get my purse."

Sam – "I'll get your coat." He heads to the closet, and pulls out her black trench coat. He helps her get

her coat on. "You know, I'll be the envy of everyone there."

Melody – as they leave the apartment "I highly doubt that."

6:34 p.m. Josh's apartment.

The phone is ringing, and Josh runs to the phone in the living room to answer it. He is in his sweats,

he can't sleep. Too concerned about Donna, but not willing to admit it.

Josh – "Hello."

Donna – heard only on the other end of the phone. "Josh, I'm at the office doing some work. Sam just

came down and asked me to call you. Apparently the First Lady wants to know why the hell you

are not in the Residence, and the President is said to be quite miffed."

Josh – he is now running around the apartment looking for his nice clothes, she's at the office! "I'm on

my way Donna, relax."

Donna – "Why should I? You do something stupid, just as I knew you would, and then I get in crap for it.

I'm not your keeper, and I hate getting yelled at by some Ivy League know-it-all when I had

nothing to do with it."

Josh – "But you di..." stopping himself in mid-sentence. He just about spilled the beans on his true

thoughts about her.

Donna – "But I what?"

Josh – he is in his room, looking at his opened closet. "Nothing. I'm on my way there." (pause) "Damn

it."

Donna – "What now?"

Josh – "Sam took my tux to the cleaners, and I don't know which one he took it to."

Donna – "Just wear a suit – that'll be fine. Don't worry about a tie – there are plenty here to choose from,

besides, you have the worst taste in ties I have ever seen, I'll help you pick one. Hurry up and get here before

Mrs. Bartlet comes down and yells at me personally."

Josh – "Alright, I'll se you in a few minutes." He hangs up the phone. "God – she's crazy."

7:06 p.m. Josh's office.

The lights are all off in the area surrounding Josh's office. He is walking in, very quickly, after obviously

showering, and finding his nicest suit to wear.

Josh – yelling out "Donna? Donna where are you?" No answer. "Damn. I can't pick ties." He passes

by his bullpen, no signs of life anywhere. It doesn't even look as though anyone has been in all

day. He passes Donna's desk. He peeks in the doorway to see if she is there. Nothing. Her chair

is tucked neatly under her desk as per usual and her things are neatly organized on her desk. He

knows she's gone for the night. "Damn." Josh enters his office and turns on the light. He shuts

the door, check the collection of ties that are hanging on the coat hook. Much to his surprise, he

sees a garment bag. He unzips it, and sees a black suit, with a white shirt. There is a note inside.

He takes it out and reads it, and we can see it is in Donna's handwriting. He laughs to himself,

and as he does, someone in the office clears their throat. He jumps – he wasn't expecting anyone.

To his surprise, there is Donna, in 'the' dress, the red dress that makes Josh's heart skip a beat.

Her hair has been put in a French roll, much the same as Melody's, except that Donna's tendrils

are straight. She is holding on to Josh's black bow tie and cummerbund.

Donna – "I suggest these with that suit."

Josh – "What the..."

Donna – "Do you really think that I would ever let you get the upper hand Joshua?"

Josh – stunned "Wow! You look incredible!"

Donna – "I know, but there's no time for staring Josh. Get changed."

Josh – "A little help?"

Donna – "In your dreams. I'm getting out. Yell when you're decent."

Josh – "Hey, how did you know I was at home?"

Donna – "I have friends in high places."

Josh – "Seriously. How did you know?"

Donna – "When Sam's phone rang it wasn't Toby, it was Melody. We planned this all out. She convinced

me to go, and we planned how we would get you here."

Josh – "You can come in, I'm decent."

Donna – "That's debatable." She enters the office and can tell that he is having difficulty doing up his

bow-tie. She helps him out. "Let me do that. When Melody came over this morning, we planned

out some things, but Sam still has no idea that I'm here. He just got your tux out of the closet,

which was clean by the way, and he brought it over here when they came, just in case you did."

Josh – "You are too much, you know."

Donna – "I'll take that as a thank you."

Josh – "Donnatella, that wasn't a thank you." Josh puts his right hand behind Donna's head, and pulls

her close to him, and gives her a gentle kiss. "That was a thank you."

Donna – who is now a little flushed, quietly responds "You're welcome, Joshua." They each stand there

for a moment, looking at each other, neither of them wanting to move.

Josh – still looking at her, he tries to break the awkward silence, "We should, um..."

Donna – "Probably get going. Ya. We should definitely..." They lean in to each other, and finally give in

to what they have wanted to show each other for a long, long time. The kiss they share is nothing

that would ever be considered rude, but a very pure kiss, a beautiful show of genuine affection.

They are oblivious to the fact that the First Lady has walked down the hallway, and walks past the

windows in Josh's office. We can see that she is tempted to interrupt, but she passes by with a

smile on her face.

1^st Lady – to herself as she walks past Josh's office "Well it's about time."

7:48 p.m. The Residence

Everyone is in the residence receiving room, and waiting on the arrival of the President, the First Lady,

Zoey and Charlie. Donna and Josh enter, arm in arm.

C.J. – to Danny "Now that's cute."

Danny – "What is?"

C.J. – "Donna and Josh. Good for them."

Danny – "Good for them what? They aren't a thing are they?"

C.J. – "About as much as we are, Danny." Danny – in a sly manner "Oh really."

C.J. - "Get over it."

Sam – walking over to Josh and Donna "It's about time you two got here. We were all beginning to

wonder." Aside to Josh "You have a little shmutz on your cheek."

Josh – looking horrified, and wiping his face "You're kidding, right?"

Sam – "Yes." Slapping Josh on the arm "It looks good on ya buddy."

Josh – with a smirk "Thanks." To Donna, "Something to drink?"

Donna – "Really?"

Josh – "It's not coffee Donna, would you like a drink?"

Donna – She has been asked this question too many times, and has fallen for it one too many times. She

says, "What would you like me to get us?"

Josh – taking her aside, away from everyone else, he says "Donna, I am not about to deny what just went

on. But at the same time, we're not here to concentrate on each other, it's a party for Zoey. I'm

just trying to be nice."

Donna – "I'm sorry, I'm just not used to men being nice to me," looking at him with glaring eyes

"especially you."

Josh – in disbelief "Donna."

Donna – after a little awkward pause "Is the offer of a drink still on the table?"

Josh – "Definitely."

Donna – "May I have a glass of wine please?"

Josh – "I'll have a beer while you're at it." Donna swats him with her purse and feigns disgust. He

jumps up and grabs his arm, faking severe injury. "OWWW!"

POTUS – "Well, I see some things never change."

All – "Good Evening (Mr. President), Sir."

POTUS – "Are you two ever going to behave?"

Donna – "I will for sure Sir, but I can't speak for him."

Josh – "Could I request a new assistant Mr. President?"

POTUS – he turns to them and smiles at them. "Absolutely not. You two deserve each other, and you can

take that whatever way you so choose." He gives them a wink. He knows. They know he knows.

He knows they know he knows. Josh and Donna smile and look sheepishly at the ground. "Now everyone,

Charlie and Zoey should be here any minute." The First Lady enters the room. "Hi sweetheart."

He gives his wife a kiss.

1^st Lady – "Hello Dear. Josh, may I see you for a moment?"

Josh – looking a little afraid "Certainly Ma'am." He follows Mrs. Bartlet into the Private area of the

residence.

1^st Lady – "Hi."

Josh – "Hi."

1^st Lady – "How are you?"

Josh – "Very well Ma'am. Yourself?"

1^st Lady – "Joshua, I'll get right to the point. I took a little walk this evening, my husband left something in

his office and I wanted to stretch my legs, so I went to get it for him. I heard people talking near

the offices, so I took a little walk down the hall." Josh is hanging his head down, he knows what's

coming. "I took a little walk past your office."

Josh – "Ma'am, please let me explain. It was just one of those things, you know, and please rest assured

that it will never happen again, I just don't know what happened."

1^st Lady – "Well, I can tell you exactly what happened, if you'd like." Josh nods, anticipating the blow that

is about to happen. "What I saw, briefly mind you, was something that has been pretty near most

of my husband's term in the making." Josh looks up at the First Lady, with a curious look on his

face. He opens his mouth to say something, and the First Lady puts her hand up to stop him.

"Josh, just let me finish. My husband and I have raised three children, and we have heard it all.

I'm not by any means calling you a child, you're a grown man. But you are like family to us, so

this is why I am telling you not as the First Lady to the Deputy Chief of Staff, but as one friend to

another, ok?"

Josh – "Ok."

1^st Lady – "Your father and I..."

Josh – "Huh?"

1^st Lady – laughing "Sorry, force of habit. My husband and I want to tell you something. We want to let

you know that if you and Donna want to date, by all means, go ahead. We could not be more

pleased. In fact, Jed wondered why it has taken this long to develop. Now, not that you didn't

know this already, but we want to make sure that your personal relationship doesn't interfere with

your working relationship. That will be difficult to do."

Josh – looking relieved "Ma'am, I appreciate yours and the President's concern for our work standard,

and for our own selves. What you saw just happened, it wasn't really anything planned. It just

happened."

1^st Lady – "I saw it Josh, and you can't tell me that you weren't wanting that to happen for a long time. If

that's what you do decide to tell me, then you are by far the worst liar I have ever known."

Josh – "You've got me there."

1^st Lady – "All I'm saying is take it slow. You don't want to push this too far and then ruin the chance you

have at such a good thing, ok?"

Josh – "Thanks."

1^st Lady – "I hear a commotion in the other room. Let's get going – our dates are waiting for us." She

holds her arm out for Josh to take. He places her hand through his left arm, and escorts her to the

Receiving Room. He walks her to her husband, who leans in to take her arm, whispers something

in her ear, then gives her a kiss on the cheek. Josh sees Donna talking to Sam, Melody, C.J., and

Danny, and walks over to meet them. He walks up behind her and puts his arm around her waist.

Donna – with a look of worry, "Is everything ok?"

Josh – smiling at her "Nothing could be better."

Donna – "Good, I'm glad."

POTUS – A SS Agent comes over to the President. The exchange a few words. "Everyone, may I have

your attention please." Everyone stops talking and looks in his direction. "Zoey and Charlie have

just arrived, they will be up in a moment. If everyone could please move to this end of the Room,

and I will go and meet them at the stairs." Everyone moves to the one end of the room. The

President leaves, and everyone is quiet.

Donna – quietly whispering to Josh "This is the first time you have shut up all week."

Josh - looking straight at Donna "Bite me."

Donna – glaring back at him "Is that a dare?"

Sam – quietly, but with force behind his voice "Will you two shut up?"

POTUS – from the hallway "Welcome home sweetheart. Did you two have a good time?"

Charlie – "Yes Sir, Mr. President."

Zoey – "We had such a blast Daddy, you would not believe the stuff that's there. The art work is just

awesome. Charlie knows a lot about it."

Charlie – "That comes from being around your father so much Zoey."

POTUS – "Why don't you two come in to the Receiving room, and we'll have some tea or something. I

only have a few minutes before I have to leave, but I want to hear all about it." They are walking

down the hall towards the Receiving room. "What kind of an exhibit was it exactly Charlie?"

Charlie – "Well Sir, it was an exhibit of various artists, from Monet to Rembrandt, there were just so

many."

Zoey – "We had a blast Daddy." They enter the Receiving Room.

All – "SURPRISE!"

Zoey – puts her hand up to her chest and stands in shock. "Holy Cow. I had no idea!" She gives her Dad

a huge hug.

All – "Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Zoey. Happy Birthday to

you."

Zoey – almost in tears "Thanks guys. This is so sweet. I love parties! This rocks!!"

1^st Lady – "Sweetheart, we have some wonderful surprises for you. After we all have dinner, we're all

going to get to share in the inaugural use of your birthday present."

Sam – to Melody "That's my movie."

C.J. – "It's your movie? I thought you rented it."

Melody – "No, it's Sam's. He loves Gilbert and Sullivan. He sang the part of Frederic when we were in

school together."

C.J. – surprised "Really?"

Sam – to Melody "Thanks, I'll never be able to live that one down."

C.J. – "You're right about that one. Thanks. I have some more blackmail material."

Melody – "No problem."

1^st Lady – "Everyone, if you will follow us into the Dining Room, the Chef has told us that our dinner is

served."

The Dining Room.

Everyone has eaten, and Zoey has opened cards from the Staff and those gathered at the table.

Zoey – "Thank you all so much. This means a great deal. I know that there are some of you here that I

don't know as well as others, but the fact that you are here is so sweet. Thanks." Turning to the

President " So Daddy, what's my present?" Everyone laughs. They understand the eagerness that

she has.

POTUS – "Everyone, if you would care to join us." He stands, and everyone follows suit. The President

takes his daughter's arm on one side, with Charlie on the other. Leo takes the arm of the 1^st Lady.

Everyone pairs up with their dates, and follows the President into the spare room. Zoey is

squirming with excitement. "Zoey, when my term in office is done, be it this term or next, a few

pieces of this present will have to stay here. The best part of this is, that the important parts get to

come with us. Happy Birthday." He opens the door, where we see a home theatre set up with

rows of love seats and movie theatre type chairs.

Zoey – "Daddy, this is the best! Thank you SO much!" She throws her arms around her father's neck in

an unashamed PDA. Everyone claps. "Can we watch a movie Daddy?"

POTUS – "It's all been taken care of, don't you worry. Everyone, please find a seat. Sam, if you would."

Sam – "Certainly Sir. One morning this week Zoey, we were in your Father's office having our regular

morning Staff meeting. At this time, he informed us of what he was planning on doing for you

this evening. We all threw in our own ideas,"

Josh – to Sam "Some more than others."

Sam – making a scratching motion on his cheek "You've got a little shmutz on your cheek there, Josh."

POTUS – in a humorous voice "Is it just me, or am I am the President of the United States?"

Sam – "Sorry Sir. That was my first time being heckled."

1^st Lady - "It won't be the last."

Sam – with a smile "Anyway, we all thought about what course of action we could take, and then it was

mentioned that when you were in school you took a liking to Gilbert and Sullivan productions.

The job was bestowed upon yours truly to track down a copy of this particular operetta, which you

enjoy. So, without further delay, may I present to you, the screen adaptation of the play which

was first introduced at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, New York City on December 31, 1879, "The

Slave of Duty" or as more commonly known "The Pirates of Penzance." Lights."

Melody – After Sam has returned to his seat "Nice speech."

Sam – "I wasn't the recording secretary for nothing you know." The lights go down.

It is a little later into the movie. It is dark in the room, but we can hear the sounds of the movie

being shown on the big screen TV under all the dialogue. We can see the glow of the pictures

on the faces of those in the room.

Melody – leaning into Sam she whispers "Sam, I'm feeling a little claustrophobic in here. Would it be

considered rude if I went out for just a minute?"

Sam – "Let me go check." He walks, around the back of the room to the 1^st Lady. We can see they are

exchanging words quietly, and she nods her head. Sam looks over at Melody, and motions to the

door. She stands up and walks to the back to meet Sam. Together they walk through the residence, arm in arm.

Melody – "Freedom, it's a lovely thing."

Sam – "I saw you and the President talking for a little while there tonight. What was all that about?"

Melody – teasingly "If he wanted you to know, he would have told you."

Sam – sarcastically "Geez – you take a girl out for one party at the White House and she gets all 'Holier

than Thou' on ya."

Melody – "It wasn't anything really. I think he was just being nice, trying to make me feel comfortable."

Sam – "Let's go in here." They walk into a beautiful room, where there are wonderful works of art

hanging on the walls.

Melody – "Are we allowed to be in here?"

Sam – "If we weren't, the Secret Service would have stopped us. Feel like going outside?"

Melody – "Sure. It's a long walk though."

Sam – "Not really. Close your eyes. I have a surprise for you." He walks her to the window, which,

until now just looked like a very large window. Sam opens the door for her, and a cool spring

evening breeze welcomes them to the outdoor terrace.

Melody – "Wow, that's a nice breeze. Can I open my eyes yet?"

Sam – "Not yet. No peeking. Just a little further." He walks her to the edge of the terrace, until they can

not walk any further. "Now, open your eyes."

Melody – "That is the most...wow. That's all I can say. Wow." He has taken her to the President's

Terrace, where we can look out over Pennsylvania Avenue, and we can see the Washington

Monument, off in the distance. "Wow. Look at the way the monument is lit up. That is

beautiful." After a little pause "It sure makes you feel small up here, doesn't it?" Sam walks over

to the other side of the terrace, and calls for Melody to come over.

Sam – "Mel, come here for a second, you'll love this." She comes over to him.

Melody – "What is that heavenly smell?"

Sam – "That would probably be the President's Rose Garden."

Melody – "I have never smelled anything so wonderful. Where is it?"

Sam – "I think it's right over there."

POTUS – "Actually it's about 40 yards to the left of the end of the terrace, but who's counting."

Sam - "Good Evening Sir."

Melody – "Good Evening Mr. President."

POTUS – "What a beautiful night. Zoey is having such a great time, but I had to come and stretch my legs.

I have found, that at my age, I can't sit down for too long or my joints get all stiff."

Melody – "It happens to us all, Sir."

POTUS – "Well, I'll leave you kids alone."

Sam – "Sir, if you'd like to stay, please don't leave on our account."

Melody – "Sam, he's the most powerful man in the Free World, as Sir, Donna so kindly pointed out today,

that didn't at all make me any more nervous than I already was. I'm rambling. I'm rambling

aren't I? I'll shut up now."

POTUS – with a laugh "I think it's cute. Not very many people around here are nervous around me any

more. It's refreshing. However, I should be getting in. My family will be missing me, I'm sure.

You kids behave now."

Sam – "Yes Sir."

Melody – "Yes Mr. President."

POTUS – "Make sure you see me before you leave."

Sam – "We'll do that Sir."

POTUS – "Take your time. It's a beautiful night. Enjoy it."

Melody – "Thank you, Sir." POTUS takes her hand, and gives her a noble kiss on the hand.

POTUS – "Would you mind if I steal Sam from you for a moment?"

Melody – "As long as you promise to give him back, Sir."

POTUS – "I don't think I could put up with him for too long anyhow."

Sam – "I won't be too long. Here, in case you get chilly." He takes off his jacket, and puts it around her

shoulders.

Melody – "Thanks."

POTUS - pats Sam on the back, and walks to the door of the terrace. "You know Sam, you are one hell of

a lucky dog, you know that?"

Sam – looking at Melody standing against the railing on the terrace "I certainly do, Sir."

POTUS – "There are certain things in my job that I don't really like. This is not one of them. I'd like for

you to know this. I know that you saw us talking this evening, and we had a good heart to heart

for a few solid minutes, which is pretty near impossible for me to do time wise. There are some

things that I have told her, that she is unable to talk to you about. Please don't pressure her into

telling you."

Sam – "Sir, I'm a lawyer, as is she. As far as I'm concerned it's lawyer/client confidentiality. That's no

problem."

POTUS – "Good. I'm glad. She tells me she has had quite a rough week."

Sam – "Yes she has Sir. She has had a difficult time while she has been here. And that's just with the

guys at the State Department. She has been caught in so much red tape it's unreal."

POTUS – "I don't want this to seem like a direct order, but anything she needs, anything, make sure she

has full access, ok? I like her, and I think she does good work. She deserves a break after the

week she's had."

Sam – "That she does, Mr. President. That she does."

POTUS – giving Sam a handshake "Take a little advice from an old married guy. Every little thing you do

for them will come back to you 10 fold. Trust me. Abigail has been so wonderful to such a

shmuck like me, she has stuck by me through thick and thin. And they are worth the investment."

Sam – "Very true Sir. The worth the investment part, that is."

POTUS – talking past Sam towards Melody "Melody, not to rush, but whenever you're ready to come

back in, We'd love to see you!"

Melody – "Thank you very much for understanding my claustrophobia Mr. President."

POTUS – "Remember what I said Sam. 10 fold."

Sam – "I won't forget, Sir." As Sam walks back over to Melody, POTUS talks to the Secret Service

Agent that has been guarding the door to the terrace. As soon as POTUS leaves the terrace, we

hear music coming from speakers that are hidden in the planters. The song that we hear is "Have I

Told You Lately" by Rod Stewart. Melody looks at him with the 'evil eye'. Sam shrugs his

shoulders and replies "I had nothing to do with that."

Melody – "The wind has picked up, it's getting a little chilly."

Sam – "It has, hasn't it."

Melody – "You don't have a coat on. Here, take your jacket back."

Sam – "No, you wear it – you have bare shoulders."

Melody – "But it's your jacket."

Sam – "Thanks." He puts his arms through the jacket and faces Melody. She does a little inspection of

the bow tie, the collar and lapels. She smoothes the wrinkles out.

Melody – "Perfect." She turns to look over the terrace, and rests her hands on the railing. Sam stands

beside her. While this is going on, we see POTUS and the First Lady, his arm wrapped around her

shoulder, watching them through the glass door. Melody slowly inches her way closer to Sam,

and now has her arm wrapped around his. She rests her head on his shoulder. POTUS and the 1^st

Lady smile.

To Be Continued...

Questions, Comments, Criticisms? Email me at jillianbarry@hotmail.com

Hanging By a Thread - 4