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!)

Synopsis: A continuation of the "Hanging By A Thead" Series. Christmas is coming to the White House...

Category: General

Comments: I thrive on them! Please - send me emails and tell me what you think!

Notes: A big thanks to Donna for her proof-reading skills!

Rating: PG - 13 to possibly R (There is some course language in this one, but it's appropriate for the storyline.)

9:46 p.m. November 28, New York City

We see the lobby of a very swanky hotel, and see people walking back and forth in the Lobby. We look towards

the front door of the hotel, and see two men in black trench coats walking up the steps. They scan the area, look

at each other, and nod to each other in recognition that the area is secure. We then see Sam and Melody arrive in

the lobby of, what we now know, is the Crowne Plaza Manhattan.

Melody - "You know, I really don't understand why those two have to be with us; it's creeping me out."

Sam - "Well, considering everything that is going to go on in the next few weeks, Leo made the

suggestion to the President to have them with us; but at a far enough distance so we would feel

alone."

Melody - "Well, having them case the joint before we walk in doesn't make me feel all that secure, you

know."

Sam - with a smile "You worry too much; they're just doing their job. Think of it this way; nothing bad

is going to happen to us when they're around."

Melody - "Nothing had better happen. I have other things to worry about." Melody puts a hand on her

stomach as she continues to walk beside Sam.

Sam - with a smile, he puts his hand on her back "The three of us will be just fine. Have a seat over

there, and I'll get us checked in." She hears the following conversation take place from the chair,

which she has now sat in. He approaches the concierge's desk and rests his briefcase on the

counter. "Hi there. You have a reservation for Seaborn?"

Clerk - "Just one moment, Sir. Let me just punch that up on the computer. Your given names, Sir?"

Sam - "Samuel Norman."

Clerk - "And your travelling companion, Sir?"

Sam - "Melody Elizabeth. Her current last name is Burns."

Clerk - "And to confirm your status in the White House, I will need your Secret Service Code names, just

for verification purposes."

Sam - "Mine is Princeton, but Melody actually has two. The first one, they tease her with when she's

within ear shot and call her Mrs. Princeton, but her real one is Stanford. She doesn't know that

though. She only knows the first one."

Clerk - with a smile "I see. And I will, of course, need to see your identification for this Suite, Sir."

Sam - "Absolutely." Sam reaches into his suit jacket pocket, and pulls out his wallet. He takes out a

card with his name, position in government, and photo. He hands it to the clerk. "Here you go."

Clerk - taking the ID card, inspecting it, then handing it back to him "Thank you, Mr. Seaborn. I'll just

get your keys for you." He reaches into a drawer, and takes out a box that has a lock on it.

Sam - "Why the secure box?"

Clerk - "It's only for this particular suite that we keep the keys locked up. It's just a precaution, Sir."

Sam - "Cool."

Clerk - handing the keys to Sam "Here you are, Sir. You'll notice that there are the two different keys.

The gold key is to actually get the elevator to the floor, as it's actually shown as the equipment

floor on the elevator key-pad, also a security measure. The silver key is to unlock the doors once

you get to the floor. You just need to hand these to the attendant when you board the elevator, and

of course, take them with you when you exit."

Sam - with a curious look on his face "Do you actually get people asking you about the equipment

floor?"

Clerk - "Sometimes. We just tell them that it's for the little square thing on top of the building that houses

the satellites, communications hook-ups, etc. It's a believable story." He whispers to Sam "Just

between you and me, the majority of people don't really gave a rat's you know what, so it doesn't

really matter."

Sam - smiling "I know what you mean. Now these are the actual front door room keys?"

Clerk - "Yes. Those are the electronic keys, and they are the only two keys in the hotel that are given out

that have been programmed for the Suite. We hope that you enjoy your stay with us, Sir."

Sam - "I'm sure we will. Did my package arrive yet?"

Clerk - "I'm not sure, Sir. I just started my shift. I will look for you and call up to your suite as soon as I

find out. Is that ok?"

Sam - "Sure, that's perfect. I don't need the contents until tomorrow anyway." Leaning in and

whispering "It is of the utmost importance that I know immediately when it arrives."

Clerk - "Well Sir, you have my promise that I will call you as soon as it does. Do you need a bellhop?"

Sam - "Please." Sam slips the concierge a bill of some sort. "Make sure that you don't let her lift a

thing; no matter how much she protests. Ok?"

Clerk - "Yes, Sir. Thank you."

Sam - "Thank you." He turns away from the desk, and starts to walk over to Melody. "Are we ready?"

Melody - standing up from her chair "I think so. What's this I hear about seven thousand different keys to

get to our room?"

Sam - "It's the Suite that we have. It's not a problem. All I have to do is hand the key to the attendant,

and he'll get us where we're going; no biggie." Melody picks up her luggage and starts to walk

across the Lobby. "Melody, what are you doing?"

Melody - "I'm going to the elevator, what does it look like?"

Sam - with a smile "That's not what I meant. Don't carry anything; that's what a luxury hotel is for,

silly girl."

Melody - "I'm not a silly girl. I am perfectly capable of picking up my..."

Sam - walking over, standing right in front of her and whispering "Perfectly capable of lifting something

heavy, straining your back, and then where would you be? I'll tell you; you'll be out of

commission for the next nine months, and that would totally screw you up, considering you're in,

you know, a delicate way."

Melody - she rolls her eyes; she knows she's beaten "I won't ever win this, will I?"

Sam - with a gratified look "No, you won't." The bellhop shows up with a luggage cart, and loads their

suitcases on. "Thank you very much." They all enter the elevator, whose door has now opened.

They step inside, and Sam hands the keys to the attendant.

Attendant - "Excellent Suite, Sir."

Sam - "Yes, the Presidential Suite usually is the best."

Melody - with shock "You got us the Presidential Suite? Sam, I don't believe you! He does know, right?"

Sam - "Why not? He's not using it, he's not campaigning or anything of that sort for a while yet. Leo

told him of our trip to New York, and he offered. He even wrote a letter to the hotel informing

them of our impending visit, which Mrs. Landingham then faxed over for us. He knows, Mel; it's

ok."

Melody - leaning her head against Sam's shoulder "I should've known you'd do something like this. You

really are the best, Sam. You know that, don't you?"

Sam - giving her a kiss on the forehead he says with a smile "I know."

10:43 p.m. The White House. Josh's Office.

Josh's bullpen is quiet and dark. The only small exceptions being the light from the coffee machine, which is on

and Donna is standing at, the light from her computer screen, and the lights from Josh's office.

Josh - "DONNA!" Donna is startled, and spills a little of her coffee onto the counter, then it runs onto

the floor.

Donna - quietly "Damn it." Cleaning up the mess on the counter and yelling in the direction of his office

"WHAT?"

Josh - "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

Donna - "CLEANING A MESS THAT YOU MADE ME MAKE. WHY?"

Josh - appearing from his office and walking towards her "Whaddya mean the mess I made you make? I

am able to make my own messes, ya know."

Donna - under her breath "Tell me about it." To him "You yelled at me in the middle of a perfectly quiet

and blissful thought; it startled me and I spilled my coffee. See - your fault."

Josh - shaking his head he reaches for some paper towel and leans down to help her clean up the mess

that has dripped onto the floor. "Even though my request for your presence should be considered

a privilege and an honor on your part, I will assist you in cleaning up this mess. That is what I do

all day, don't 'cha know."

Donna - "Ya, after you make them."

Josh - looking up at her "Smart ass. Why are you still here anyway?"

Donna - "You stay, I stay. Those are the rules."

Josh - "But you don't need to. You should go home and get some beauty sleep."

Donna - looking at him, faking emotional injury "Are you saying I need beauty sleep?"

Josh - "I forgot to add the word preservation after the word beauty."

Donna - "Are you saying I need to be preserved? Like a jar of dill pickles?"

Josh - rolling his eyes "Geez, Donna. I'm never going to win with you. I was trying to be all nice and

stuff 'cause I know you like that, and then you go and..."

Donna - holding his face so his lips are together so he can't talk anymore, she smiles at him. "Shut up, ok?

I know what you meant; and it was very sweet. I'm teasing you; that's what you tell me I do best.

Two things to rebut that thought though. One. There is too much work to be done here, and you

need my help. Two. You know that I can't sleep unless, well you know, there's a brown haired,

brown eyed Deputy Chief of Staff laying beside me. I've tried; it doesn't work."

Josh - with one sweep picks up the paper towel and tosses it in the garbage. He stands up from the place

where he was cleaning up, and takes Donna closely in his arms. "I know we're not supposed to do

this out in the open, but you know what? There's no one here; what the hell." He puts his hand

on the back of her head, and, with one hand around her waist, pulls her in for a passionate kiss,

which of course, she returns in full force. After a moment, we hear a gasp from around the corner.

They break apart, arms and hands still around and on each other. He speaks to her quietly. "Did

you hear that?"

Donna - in a whisper "Ya. Where'd it come from?" Josh points his finger to the hallway leading to the

Oval Office and mouths 'Over there." She untangles herself from his arms, and quietly walks to

the hallway. She puts her head around the corner. "AAAHHH!" She jumps back, and Josh, of

course, comes to the rescue; standing right behind her lest her confrontation get ugly. "Margaret!

What are you still doing here?"

Margaret - with her head down, trying not to show her embarrassment "Leo, um, wanted me to, um, do

something for him. Ya. I'll just be going now." Margaret turns on her heel and walks very

quickly down the hall. Josh rolls his eyes.

Donna - "Margaret, wait!" Donna follows her down the hall. She gently takes hold of her arm, and

Margaret stops in her tracks. "Margaret. How much did you hear?" There is no answer; Margaret

has her head down, not wanting to look at Donna. Softly, Donna talks reassuringly to her.

"Margaret, it's ok. What exactly did you hear?"

Margaret - who is visibly upset "Oh Donna, I heard it all. Put some duct tape on my mouth or something,

because you know that I can't sit on this one."

Josh - yelling from down the hall "DONNA!"

Donna - yelling back "BE RIGHT THERE JOSH!" to Margaret. "Margaret, we are one of the best kept

secrets in the White House. I was going to come to you and tell you one day soon, but I guess this

is that day. Josh and I have been, you know, together for quite a while now. Leo knows, so do

Sam, Mel, the President and First Lady. We didn't think that we should tell anyone else, because

there could be work-related ramifications. Margaret, please. Don't say anything to anyone. When

the time is right, I will tell you everything, but right now..."

Josh - "DONNA!!!"

Donna - turning in the direction of his office "HOLD ON, I'M COMING!!" To Margaret "Right now

there is so much stuff going on around here, as you know, and we can't deal with this whole issue

going public just yet, ok? I promise that when the time is right, I will tell you all the details, and

that you will be the first in the office to know them."

Margaret - who looks relieved at this "Ok. You got it. I can keep the lid on this for you. If you need

anything, you know my extension."

Donna - giving her a hug "I sure do. I gotta go. See ya."

Margaret - "See ya later."

Josh - "DONNATELLA MOSS!!!"

Donna - she turns, rolls her eyes in his direction and yells back "JOSHUA LYMAN!!!" She walks towards

the sound of his booming voice.

Josh - "I NEED YOU TO GET THE FILE ON... AAAHH!" Donna has rounded the corner and walks

right into Josh. "I swear to God, I have to put a bell on you or something."

Donna - with a smirk "No, you need to stop yelling at me. What file do you need?"

Josh - walking toward his office with Donna right behind him "I need my copy of the final proposal that

Sam did for the thing. Seeing as he's out of town, he wanted me to make sure Leo got it by

tomorrow. I have to read it over and get caught up in case he has questions, which we both know

he will."

Donna - following him into his office, and closing the door behind her. "It's already in this disaster area

you call an office. On the right side of your desk, third file from the top. Anything else?"

Josh - "Yes. Come here." She does, with a sly smile. "We started a project a while ago, and if it's all

right with you, I would like to complete that project sometime this evening."

Donna - "How long will you be?"

Josh - with an evil grin "I could be a while, it could be quite a lengthy process. Lots of paperwork you

know."

Donna - she rolls her eyes "I don't mean that. I mean, how long will you be here? At the office?"

Josh - "Oh, I see. I don't know, probably an hour or so. Why?"

Donna - returning his evil grin "If you like, I could go and get your non-white house office prepared for the

at home portion of the project; but that's only if you want me to." Josh says nothing, but gives her

a sheepish schoolboy grin. "See ya later, don't be too late." She turns and walks out of his office,

as Josh hurries to his desk, pulls out the file and starts to read it.

11:42 p.m. The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Presidential Suite.

Melody is leaning against the headboard of their large bed, and is snuggled under the blankets. She puts

down her papers, and leans over to the night-stand. She turns on the radio, turns up the volume and turns

the knob to find a station. She finds a classical music station on the radio, and turns the volume to a quiet,

relaxing level. We hear the sounds of classical Christmas music coming from the speaker. She returns to her

former sitting position; knees up, propped up by pillows, and continues her writing on a legal notepad. Sam

enters the room, and shuts off the main light switch.

Sam - "Will that be enough light for you?"

Melody - not looking up from her papers "Ya. That's just fine. Thanks."

Sam - "Anything I can help with?" He sits on the side of the bed and slowly gets in between the sheets.

Melody - "Actually, yes. Two of these items I have written down here will have to be purchased quickly.

They have to be given out in about a week and a half."

Sam - "What? What's going on?"

Melody - looking at Sam "It's tradition that I never do work related things the day before a deposition; it

helps me to relax. As a result, I've decided to write my Holiday Shopping List. Josh and Toby's

gifts will have to be given to them a little earlier because Hanukah begins in about 10 days."

Sam - with a smile. "You're the best. What have you got so far?"

Melody - "Well I figured seeing as we were here, if I didn't go shopping at F.A.O. Schwartz I would just

cry; so I made up a gag gift list. The real one is where I am having trouble, but only for a couple

of people."

Sam - leaning back in the bed and closing his eyes "Read me what you have so far. Make me laugh."

Melody - "Here goes. If any other suggestions pop into your head, let me know."

Sam - "Got it."

Melody - "Okay. Josh was the easiest for a gag gift. I have him down for a package of EZ Bake oven

cookie mix, so he can make his own and not bug Mrs. Landingham for cookies any more."

Sam - with a heartfelt laugh "That's hilarious! What else do you have?"

Melody - smiling "A hula-hoop for Donna, just because; it's very Donna."

Sam - "It's also good visual torture for Josh." Sam reacts with a smile for each of the other gifts she

mentions.

Melody - "True. I never thought of that. The gift that keeps on giving. For C.J., a water gun so she can

shoot the unruly members of the press corps. Which brings me to Toby. He was difficult to think

of. I thought of a new India rubber ball. The one he has is looking kinda tired."

Sam - "That's good. Anything for Leo?"

Melody - "I wasn't sure about getting a gag gift for him."

Sam - "Sure. Leo has a sense of humor, just like the rest of us. What about an abacus?"

Melody - "Why an abacus?"

Sam - "No other toy gift would be a Leo gift. Except a whip or a pair of handcuffs, maybe, but I don't

want to go there."

Melody - with a smile "You're a demented man, you know that?"

Sam - "But ya still love me."

Melody - with a smirk "You gotta wonder who's more deserving of the straight jacket on that point."

Sam - with a smile "Smart ass. What time do you think you'll be done at your office tomorrow?"

Melody - "Probably around 6 or so. Why?"

Sam - "Just an idea for something to do tomorrow night. I'll come and pick you up, okay?"

Melody - with a curious smile "Sure. Is there any reason why I can't come back here after I'm done

work?"

Sam - "None that I can think of, I just have something planned that I can't tell you about, that's all."

Melody - "A good surprise?"

Sam - leaning over to Melody, taking hold of her chin and bringing her lips close to his "I think you'll be

happy." They kiss. Sam pulls away, then says "You should put that down and get some sleep.

You have a big day tomorrow."

Melody - "You're right; I am kinda sleepy. Take this for me, will you?" She hands him the list and he sets

it on the table beside him. He fluffs her pillows for her so she will be comfortable. "You don't

have to do all this, you know."

Sam - "I know. I wanted to, so enjoy it while it lasts." She smiles. He holds the blankets for her so she

can get tucked in, then he leans over and turns off the lights. He gives her the customary kiss on

the back of the head. "Good night, Mel."

Melody - "Good night, Sam. I love you."

Sam - "I love you too." He pulls her gently towards him, so he can hold her close as they sleep, and he

rests his hand delicately on her waist. She takes his hand, and places it on her tummy. They both

smile as they close their eyes. As they cuddle together, Sam gives her another kiss on the back of

the head.

6:24 p.m., November 29. The White House. The Oval Office

The members of the Senior Staff that are in Washington have gathered in the Oval Office, and are anxiously

awaiting the return of the President.

C.J. - "I don't know if that's such a good idea, Toby. The press will eat him alive. Trust me."

Toby - "I do, but C.J., it's got to officially come out sooner or later, and I think that the sooner we do this,

the better."

Josh - "Have either of you two forgotten that the holidays are coming? That's kind of a lousy time to

spring this on the general population of the United States, don't you think?"

C.J. - with a smart ass tone "Kinda like being told right before your birthday?"

Josh - "Fair point. Leo, we all need to be here for this. We can't go to press without Sam here; he'd

just die."

Leo - "I agree, but he isn't here. The President thought that with the impending birth, and the thing that

we now know is now going down sooner than later, he thought that they should have a couple of days

together. I don't think that there will be many days that they will be able to spend a great deal of time

together; that is in the foreseeable future, and I have to say I agree with the President's allowance to let

them have this time. Keep Sam where he is. He is doing what he needs to do. Now about this current issue.

I don't think that there is much we can do about it; we have to deal with it. How are we prepared for any

downfall? What's the padding like?"

Josh - getting up from his chair and practically yelling "This is crap Leo. He can't go down; it's just not

right. If he goes down, we all go down. I came on board with then Governor Bartlet because at

the time he was the real thing. He still is, and I'm not about to go down!"

POTUS - entering the room "I'm not about to go down either, Josh, but I'm prepared none the less." They

all stand when he enters the room.

Josh - in a much more subdued voice "Good evening, Sir."

All - "Good evening, Mr. President."

POTUS - "Now, what's this I hear about someone leaking this to the Press? C.J.? Please sit everyone."

They all sit.

C.J. - "Well Sir, it seems that someone has a very large mouth, and leaked some minor details of your

health status to the Press. One of my contacts at the Post called to ask me for a One on One.

When I asked about what, they said, and I quote, "Well, Duh." I asked them again, and they said

that it was about the health thing with the President, and they wanted to know what the degree of

severity of the condition was, and all the medical jargon that I surprisingly don't know all that

much about."

POTUS - pouring a drink "Anyone else want any?" They shake their heads, no. "What else did they say

to you C.J.?"

C.J. - "Well that was pretty much the extent of the conversation, Mr. President. I called Toby as soon as

it ended. He called Leo, and he suggested that we all meet with you as soon as possible to discuss

our plan of action; so here we are."

POTUS - looking at Leo, pointing his finger at him and saying in his serious tone "You know that I don't

like this, Leo."

Leo - "Neither do I."

POTUS - getting angrier with each word "Who would have the audacity to do this?"

Josh - "I don't know, Sir. Believe me, I'd like to."

POTUS - yelling at him "You'd like to?" He looks endearingly at Josh, non-verbally apologizing for his

hostile tone towards him. Josh nods with a hidden smile. He understands. "What's next?"

Toby - "Well, Sir. I think that at the Press Briefing tomorrow we should have a deterrence. We should

push with the Education Reform Proposals. Even though Sam is not here, I think he would agree

it's the best thing to do."

Josh - "I'm totally up to speed on it, Sir. I can head it up, for now. Keep in mind that it's only until we

can get Sam back. I'm not going to take this on permanently; I absolutely refuse to do that."

POTUS - "C.J., you're the Press Secretary. This one's your call."

C.J. - "I can stall them Sir, and do some fluff stories. If I can get more details on the Holiday plans, that

could take up a huge chunk of my briefing. I'll go into specifics on the details of your schedules

Sir, and any special guest visits planned for the White House."

POTUS - "Mrs. Landingham will get you all the information you need, C.J. Until then Josh, I'd like to let

Sam and Melody have this time to themselves. He will find out soon enough."

Josh - "Pardon me, Sir. But is that really such a wise idea? Forgive the phrasing, but he's gonna be

royally pissed that we didn't tell him."

Leo - "What Sam doesn't know won't hurt him, Josh. He's got a lot of other things that he needs to deal

with right now. He's not fully recovered from his accident, he has a baby on the way, the

education reform issue, the thing with the President. It's a lot to bite off at once."

POTUS - "I agree, Leo. He needs this time for himself. Let him spend these few days with her, and let

them be alone. I wish I had taken a few days alone with Abbey when we had been elected.

Public, professional stress can do weird things to relationships. Let them be."

Josh - "I really don't think that he's going to be all that happy about this, Sir. Toby, you remember what

he was like when you added that thing at the end of the speech without telling him? He didn't talk

to you for weeks unless he had to. I still say he's going to be royally pissed off, and won't talk to

any of us. If you're all going to do this behind Sam's back, I can't be a part of that."

Toby - with sarcasm "I would welcome the silence."

Leo - "I had no idea that he didn't speak to you for that long, Toby. This is what we're going to do.

C.J. I will have Margaret and Mrs. Landingham get all the information that you need regarding

the Holidays. Any other things that come up in the mean time, then obviously relay those to the

Press. I think that we should at least give Sam and Melody the next 24 hours to be alone, then we

can call them back."

POTUS - "I agree; they need even just a little time. Josh, are you cool with that?"

Josh - "Still not cool about how we're handling the leak, Sir; but I feel a little bit better about the

circumstances surrounding the Sam situation."

POTUS - "Good. You're his best friend, and you know him better than any of us; I appreciate your

insight. Thank you all for being here. You'll get paged if there is anything further."

All - "Thank you, (Sir), (Mr. President)."

11:43 p.m. New York City. Carnegie Hall

Sam and Melody are standing outside the main entrance to Carnegie Hall. We can see Sam's black bow tie from

under his coat, and we can see the bottom of Melody's long royal blue velvet dress hanging down, under the

hem of her coat. Melody's arm is laced through Sam's, and they are standing waiting for their ride back to the

hotel. She is wearing the necklace that was Sam's grandmother's; the one that he gave her to wear on her first

occasion at the White House.

Melody - "Sam, this was such a wonderful idea. You were so right, I had the best time tonight." She gives

him a kiss on the cheek.

Sam - looking at her "You're very welcome. When I was surfing at home, I saw that they were playing

here for 3 nights and I just knew that you would love it. I'm so pleased."

Melody - "It's not very often that you get to see Domingo, Pavarotti, Bocelli and the rest of those

wonderful performers in one room at the same time. God, Sam. That was... I can't even begin to

describe it. It was just beautiful. I've got chills just remembering it! Some of those carols I had

never heard before. They were just wonderful."

Sam - looking down the street "Here's our ride now. I guess that makes it official then."

Melody - looking at him "What's that?"

Sam - "You are officially in the holiday spirit?"

Melody - with a child like grin "How many more sleeps until Santa comes?" She leans her head on his

shoulder and closes her eyes.

Sam - with a kiss on the forehead "You are too cute. Here we are." Melody opens her eyes, her head still resting

on his shoulder, and sees what is now in front of her. "Mel, what's wrong?" She doesn't answer. She's in shock.

He turns to look at her. "Melody, what's wrong?"

Melody - starting to tear up "Sam, you are the most romantic man in the whole world." She throws her

arms around him, in an unashamed PDA. He hugs her right back.

Sam - he is a little stunned at her reaction "Thanks, I think."

Driver - extending a white gloved hand to her "Ma'am. May I help you in?"

Melody - with a very large smile "Thank you very much."

Sam - putting his hand up to the small of her back to support her "Watch your step, Mel. It's slippery."

Melody - "I'm ok, Sam. You be careful. That's a big step there for you." To the driver "Is there some

other little stool that you could put down for him? He was in an accident a while ago and his hip

is not fully recovered."

Driver - "Certainly, Ma'am. There you go. There's a blanket there for you both, should you get cold."

Sam - looking at the driver "Thanks so much. She loves this, I can tell."

Driver - with a large smile "No problem. Here's that stool for you." He lays the foot stool in front of the

first step, and assists Sam up. Melody stands up to reach for Sam's hand; which he readily takes

hold of. "Easy does it, Sir."

Sam - "I'm cool. Thanks."

Melody - "Here Sam. Sit down, let me wrap this blanket around you." She does so, placing the warm

blanket across their laps.

Sam - "Come here you." He pulls her close to him, so she is leaning on him. With a kiss on the

forehead he says "I knew when I booked this today, that you would love it."

Melody - "Hmmm. You know, of all the time that I actually spent in New York; both growing up and as

an adult; I never had a horse drawn carriage ride."

Sam - "So, this is your first?"

Melody - with a smile "Yes, you are my first. Consider yourself lucky, young man."

Sam - "I do that. Central Park is beautiful at night, you know. Especially during the holidays. Look at

all these lights."

Melody - taking the bobby pins out of her hair, trying to let it down "I know. She sure is breathtaking."

Sam looks at her with, you know, that look.

Sam - "She is. She most definitely is." Melody catches him watching her out of the corner of her eye as

she continues fighting with the last of the bobby pins.

Melody - "What?"

Sam - "Nothing."

Melody - "Seriously. What?"

Sam - "Just realizing my good fortune, as I was just instructed to do." She rolls her eyes at him. Sam

puts his arm along the back of the seat, and she leans back towards him, and puts her head back on

his shoulder. He puts his hand on her head, and starts running his fingers through her hair. "You

know, I'm very happy that it all went so smoothly for you today."

Melody - "Me too; but I have a request."

Sam - "What's that?"

Melody - "No work stuff. Just for tonight, ok? The President wanted us to have time to ourselves, so let's

enjoy this; it doesn't happen often."

Sam - "You got it."

Driver - from the seat in the front "There is some cocoa in a thermos back there and a couple of mugs if

you would like some to keep warm."

Melody - leaning forward, grasping the thermos and twisting off the lid "Thank you so much. That's

awfully kind of you."

Driver - "We all have some in our carriages for passengers on cold nights like tonight. You're very

welcome."

Melody - with that child-like grin on her face re-appearing as she pours some into a mug "This is so much

fun. Tomorrow we are definitely going to F.A.O. Shwartz. K?" She hands the mug to Sam.

Sam - He takes the mug from her and smiles. "You got it; first thing. Would you like some cocoa, Sir?"

Melody pours another mug for the driver.

Driver - reaching back "As long as you don't tell the boss. We're not supposed to drink while we have

passengers."

Melody - twisting the lid back on and placing the thermos on the floor "That's absurd. It's freezing cold

outside. We won't say a thing. Promise."

Driver - accepting the mug "Thanks. Cheers!"

Melody - "Thank you."

Sam - "Don't you want any?"

Melody - "Yes, but I can't Sam; I've had my caffeine limit for the day. Besides, I'm warm enough right

here." Snuggling back into Sam's arms, she leans her head on his shoulder, and looks lovingly

at him. He drinks from his mug of steaming hot chocolate, then looks down at her, and smiles.

11:56 p.m., November 29. The White House, C.J.'s Office

C.J. is sitting at her desk, having a rather heated discussion on the phone with someone.

C.J. - "Well there's not much I can do about that now, is there?" (pause) "You know, sometimes you

really do piss me off." (pause) "And I'm really scared, Toby." (pause) "You're brilliant." (pause)

"Yes, that was sarcasm too my dear." (pause) "Fine. Get it to me when it's done." (pause) "Shut

up." She hangs up the phone. The phone rings again. She answers it, and yells into the receiver

"God, what do you want now?" (pause) "I'm sorry, Leo. I was just talking to Toby and he made

me mad, and..."

Leo - "You don't have to explain it to me, C.J. All I need is an update on how things are going. Have

we made contact with Sam yet?"

C.J. - "I thought that we were going to wait until tomorrow to do that, Sir."

Leo - "Yes, I thought so too. I talked to the President, and both of us, upon reflection, think that it is

best to get in touch with him now, to give him a heads up. What do you think; you didn't say

much in our meeting."

C.J. - "Well Leo. I haven't felt much like talking a great deal these past few days; I have a lot on my

mind."

Leo - in a sympathetic way "I know the feeling."

C.J. - "Honestly?"

Leo - "That's what I always ask of you; honesty."

C.J. - "Honestly, I think that you should let Sam be. Leave him alone for a while. He has been so

cranky lately and I think that it would be a good idea, as per your earlier suggestion, to leave them

be for a couple of days. Now I know that Josh said that Sam will be royally pissed that we didn't

call him, but think about this. If the President and the First Lady were in their shoes, would you

really think that they would want to return to all this right now?"

Leo - "Well..."

C.J. - not letting him finish "I mean with all that's going on, the accident, the move, the baby, the

revelations about his health, it's just not fair; to either of them. Neither of them need the stress. I

think that they should have a few days off and then they can be strong for the rest of us; I know that I'll need them."

Leo- "I don't like this, C.J. I think that we need him here."

C.J. - "Leo, the final decision is no doubt going to be yours, but you asked me for an honest opinion, and

I've given it to you."

Leo - "True enough. I'm going to go talk to the First Lady and see what she thinks. We'll meet later on

and go over the things for the briefing."

C.J. - "I look forward to it, Leo."

Leo - "Thank you, C.J."

C.J. - "You're welcome."

9:23 a.m. November 30. New York City.

Melody is seen, wearing her winter coat of course, carrying shopping bags while walking down a street near the hotel.

She has her phone on, and is talking into it.

Melody - there is a hint of disappointment in her voice as she says these words "It would have been

perfect, Donna. I mean; the setting was perfect - a horse and buggy ride through Central Park, flowers and candles

and sparkling grape juice waiting for me when we got back, it was the perfect time. I don't know, we'll probably just

live in sin for the rest of our lives and have the people on the Family Values Committee pissed at us from now until eternity."

Donna - only heard through the other end of the phone "I don't know, there is still lots of time for that, Mel. You

have the rest of your lives, and with all the crap that's going on these days, you guys just need to relax. What are you doing today?"

Melody - "Just doing a little shopping. I needed to get out and take a little walk; Sam can be somewhat

smothering. I know it's just because he cares and worries about me, but still. You know what I

mean."

Donna - "Ya, I do. So what flight are you guys getting tonight?"

Melody - with a curious look on her face "We're not getting a flight back tonight. Why, did Sam tell you

we were?"

Donna - "No, I just assumed because of, you know, the thing..."

Melody - "Donna. What thing?"

Donna - trying to eat the words she has just spoken "Oh my God. You don't know?"

Melody - who is getting a look of panic on her face "I don't know what?"

Donna - quietly "Damn it all to hell."

Melody - sitting on a bench that she has just passed "Donna, please tell me what is going on. Don't do this

to me; I can't take it."

Donna - "Well Melody, it's like this. Please don't say anything to anyone about it, because I am going to

get in so much crap from Josh if he ever finds out that I told you..."

Melody - "That you told me what?"

Donna - she knows she has to spill the beans "Well Melody from what I gather, they are pushing this

morning's press conference with the Education Reform package that Sam was heading up."

Melody - yelling into the phone, not caring who sees or hears her "WHAT?"

Donna - "Ya. I kind of overheard them all talking about who should tell Sam, and when he should be

told..."

Melody - with her head in her hands "Oh God. He's gonna be so pissed."

Donna - "...and I heard Josh telling them that he should be the one to call Sam and tell him to get back as

soon as he could because of all this."

Melody - shaking her head in disbelief "Why are they doing this, Donna?"

Donna - "I can't say."

Melody - "And why not?"

Donna - "Your phone isn't all that secure, that's why."

Melody - "Oh. I see." She knows it is something about the President.

Donna - "Sagittarius."

Melody - that one word confirmed it. "I completely understand." There is a moment of silent tension between

the two parties, then Melody breaks the silence. "Donna, believe me when I tell you that you did the right

thing. No matter what anyone says to you, Sam and I thank you for telling me this. I need to call him now

and let him know what's going on because I know that he will be watching C.J.'s briefing in..." looking at her

watch "Oh God. Three minutes. Donna, I gotta go. I'll call you later."

Donna - "Melody?"

Melody - "Ya."

Donna - "I am so sorry."

Melody - "You absolutely did the right thing, Donna. Thank you. Gotta go. Bye." Melody presses the

end button on her phone, then quickly calls Sam's cell.

Sam - "Hello."

Melody - "Sam, start packing, no time to explain. We need to get back to Washington. Now."

Sam - "Hold on a second there. What's going on?"

Melody - "I can't talk about this over the phone with you. It's about an old friend from home."

Sam - "C.J.'s just stepped up to the podium to do her morning briefing. I have to watch this Mel. It's

the only way I can stay on top of things."

Melody - "Sam, turn the TV off."

Sam - "Why?"

Melody - "Just do it!"

Sam - getting defensive "What are you trying to hide from me?"

Melody - "I'll tell you about it when I get there. I just spoke with Donna and she told me about something

that is going to happen this morning."

Sam - "Hang on a second." There is a very quiet and tense pause, then Sam speaks. He is obviously

yelling, but at no one in particular "GOD DAMN IT!!!"

Melody - putting her head in her hands "Oh God."

Sam - "SON OF A BITCH!!! Who did that? Melody, who did that?"

Melody - "I just got off the phone with Donna, and she didn't tell me names. She didn't want to get herself

in trouble."

Sam - still yelling "I really don't give a rat's ass who gets in trouble! That's mine, and they have

absolutely no right to take it right out from under me!"

Melody - "Sam, this is not the type of phone to be talking about this on. I'm just getting to the hotel now,

and I'll be up in a minute to help you pack. I'll call the airport and book the next flight out, ok?"

Sam - "What the hell good is it going to do now? They've claimed that as their own. I should have

known something like this would have happened. They took the candy away from the baby, Mel."

Melody - who is now entering the lobby of the hotel, and heading to the elevator "Sam, I'll be up in a

minute. Start packing."

Sam - "This is the second time that they have done this to me. I work in that building too, you know. I

should be informed when these things are going on. God!"

Melody - "Sam, Donna told me that Josh was just about to call you to ask you to come back."

Sam - "Ya, so we would be on the plane and not see C.J.'s briefing and then they would spring this on

me when we got back. Nice friends I have."

Melody - "Sam, they are your friends."

Sam - "Well they sure as hell have a strange way of showing it. This was weeks of effort on my part,

Mel. Sleepless nights, anxiety attacks left, right and center, my blood, sweat and tears are in that.

And they took it right out from under me." Melody has reached the door of the Presidential Suite,

and opens the door. She hangs up her phone.

Melody - looking at Sam with a gentle look in her eyes "Let's go home."

Sam - He hangs up his phone. "I don't want to, there's no reason."

Melody - walking over to him "Sam, you need to. You have work to do, and this country needs your

brilliance."

Sam - pointing to the TV which has had the volume turned down, but we still see C.J. on the screen

conducting her briefing "Well, according to the Senior Staff of the White House they don't!"

Melody - putting her hand on his arm "Sam, I..." The phone on the desk in the hotel room rings. The

secure phone.

Sam - walking over to answer the phone "Hello." (pause) "Yes, Sir." (pause) "Yes, Sir." (pause) "We're

getting the first plane we can get Mr. President." (pause) "I'd really like to understand those

reasons, Sir." There is a long pause, during which Sam nods his head while listening to the voice

on the other end of the phone. He is visibly upset by what he is hearing as his hand reaches up to

his face, and he runs his fingers through his hair as a sign of frustration. Melody walks over and

sits down on the desktop beside Sam, and puts her hand on his shoulder. He looks up at her and

smiles a weak smile. "Yes, Sir. I will." (pause) "I do, Sir. Thank you." He hangs up the phone

and puts his head on the desk.

Melody - putting her hand on his back and giving it a gentle rub to try and ease his stress "What is it?"

Sam - looking up at her with sad eyes "There's a leak..."

Melody - "Oh God."

Chapter 2