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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!)
"Open Arms - Part 4" Synopsis: The cat's out of the bag, in more ways than one. C.J. gets quite inebriated and does a stunning rendition of 'The Jackal', Sam and Melody have a blow-out, and Leo, inconspicuously, comes to the rescue.
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! This is best read after Parts 1, 2 and 3...
Rating: PG – 13, possibly R, I don't know. I'm really not good at rating these things 7:03 p.m. Saturday evening, The White House. The Residence Living Room. All - "SURPRISE!" C.J. has just walked into the Living room of the President's residence in the White House. From the look on her face, we can tell she was totally surprised. She had no idea that anyone was planning anything to mark her special day, especially in light of the events that have taken place over the past 24 hours. C.J. - standing beside FLOTUS and POTUS "Oh my God, guys. I totally don't believe this." She is truly overwhelmed by everyone's act of kindness, and starts to tear up. "This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me." She looks at the President with a sarcastic smile "But Sir, I was so looking forward to your chili." POTUS – walking over to her he gives her a hug. "Don't worry, C.J. I made lots." She gives him a hug back, and wipes away a tear. C.J. - "Thank you, Sir." She looks at everyone gathered there. "Thanks you guys. This means so much." Everyone applauds. Donna – walking up to C.J., giving her a hug. "Happy Birthday, C.J. You're the best." C.J. – "Thanks so much Donna." She and Donna walk towards the others, arms wrapped around each other's shoulders. POTUS – "What would everyone like to drink? Let's start with the Birthday Girl. C.J. ?" C.J. - "Surprise me, Sir." She gets a shocked look on her face when she realizes what she has said. The Senior Staff of the White House that have gathered there to help her celebrate, understand the significance of the words, and smile sympathetically at her. POTUS – ignoring the significance of her choice of words, "You got it. Josh?" He looks at each of the people gathered there as they make their requests. Josh – "Just a beer, Sir, thanks. Donna?" Donna – "Me too Sir. I'll ask around for you if you'd like." Josh – with a goofy grin on his face "She's good at making lists." POTUS – with a smirk "So I've heard." Donna gets a piece of paper and a pen and walks to everyone and gets their drink orders. She writes them down as they state them. Toby – "Whatever the President is having is fine with me." Donna – "One double bourbon on the rocks for Toby. Next." Leo – "Soda with lime." Melody – "That sounds fine for me Donna." Sam – said in Donna's direction but said to Melody "Something strong and elaborate on the rocks, like my career and my life." Melody looks at him with a worried look on her face. Donna – looking up at him "Huh? Are you ok?" Sam – said in a very abrupt tone "Just peachy. A beer." Donna – "Ok." Toby – who is beside Melody "What's with him?" Melody – "I really don't know; he's been like this since we left the house." She puts her hand out to touch Sam on the arm as she speaks. "Sam, what's..." Sam – pulling away from her, he turns sharply and looks at both her and Toby. He says in a very angry voice, but very quietly "You and I work together. That's it, Toby. And you. I can't even look at you." Melody goes pale and watches in shock as Sam walks away from them, running his hands through his hair. Melody turns to Toby, who holds her in a gentle, almost fatherly embrace. Toby – as he comforts Melody he speaks to her quietly. "Shhh. It's ok. He's just upset about, you know. Everything." Melody nods her head to say that she heard him. FLOTUS sees what is happening, and she starts walking over to them. To Melody "The First Lady." Melody wipes her eyes and stands up straight. Melody – "Good evening, Ma'am." FLOTUS – "Melody. Toby. How are you both tonight?" Toby – "Just fine, Ma'am. Yourself?" FLOTUS – with a sarcastic smile "I think I'll be much better once the drinks get here." Toby – matching her smile "Amen." FLOTUS – to Melody "Are you feeling all right?" Melody – trying to conceal her lie "I'm just fine Ma'am. Thanks for your concern." FLOTUS – she puts her hand on Melody's shoulder "Are you sure? You've been looking a little under the weather these days." Melody – "I'm recovering from the flu, but not to worry, I'm not contagious any more. I would have sent regrets for tonight if I were unwell." FLOTUS – with a smile. She can tell Melody's lying. "Well, if you feel any differently tonight, at any time at all, I am a Doctor. I will help if you need anything, all right?" Melody – with a weak smile "Thank you, Dr. Bartlet. I appreciate that." FLOTUS – "Good. Please make sure you do come to me if you need anything. I mean that. Toby, keep watch over her." Toby – "I will, Ma'am." FLOTUS – "Actually, I should be telling that to Sam. Do either of you know where he is?" Three hours later. POTUS – "Everyone, may I have your attention please." Everyone stops what they are doing and saying and turns in the direction of the President. "I make pre-written speeches, pretty much on a daily basis. However, on this occasion..." Everyone laughs quietly. POTUS turns to face C.J., who is
All – "Happy Birthday C.J." Everyone begins singing. "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear C.J., Happy Birthday to you." Everyone applauds. POTUS – looking at Zoey, he nods. "I hear that there is someone in our midst that has a hidden talent." Everyone looks around at each other. "This individual has been known to perform certain things at White House functions, however, I have not seen this miraculous event with mine own eyes. Therefore, I believe the Birthday girl needs to take center stage." Everyone cheers and applauds as we hear the following words coming from the stereo that Zoey has taken charge of. "Did I ever tell you about that man who changed my life? The one I thought, 'Oh my Lord', When I saw him walk in the back of that bar, all tall and lean with them broad shoulders, sweet lips. I knew that I had died and gone to chocolate heaven." C.J. struts her way to the center of the floor with an air of confidence about her. She stumbles a little, and Toby reaches out to catch her, just in case she falls. She recovers, regains her composure, then, leaning against the table behind her for support,
Melody – She looks at Toby, and places her free hand on her arm and says quietly "Excuse me." C.J. - "The Jackal." Toby – with concern "Are you ok?" Melody nods her head, and leaves the room with her hand covering her mouth. Toby glances at the First Lady, who has, unbeknownst to Toby, witnessed this. C.J. - "The Jackal." FLOTUS – to her husband, whom she is standing beside "I'll be right back." POTUS – "Is anything wrong?" FLOTUS – "That's what I'm going to find out." POTUS gives her a kiss on the forehead, and FLOTUS walks out of the room, following Melody. She doesn't yell out to her at all, as she wants to watch
Melody – with a weak voice calls out. "Abbey? As in the First Lady?" FLOTUS – with a smile "Yes. That's me. Are you ok?" Melody – "I'm just fine Ma'am. Please go back and enjoy the party." FLOTUS – "Melody, I'm a mother, a doctor and a wife. Not to mention the First Lady of the United States. I know when I'm being lied to. What's going on?" There is no response, so she knocks on the door again, but this time with a little more urgency. "Melody, are you all right?" Melody – "Yes, Ma'am. I'm ok. Please go and enjoy yourself. I don't want to cause a scene on C.J.'s special day." FLOTUS – "If you don't let me in to see you, then I will." We hear the sound of the door being unlocked, and FLOTUS turns the door handle and closes the door behind her. "God, Melody. You're as white as a ghost. Are you sure you had the flu?" FLOTUS holds her hand to Melody's forehead. "You're not warm. Have you taken anything for your stomach?" Melody – "Just some ginger ale and soda crackers, Ma'am." FLOTUS – "Let me get you some Gravol or something to help settle your stomach." Melody – "Ma'am, it's un-necessary. Please, go have a good time. I'll be ok." FLOTUS – "What about some sort of ant-acid?" Melody – she hesitates "Ma'am, may I ask you a question? Doctor to patient?" FLOTUS – with a look of concern "Just a minute." She reaches over to the door and locks it. She motions to the side of the tub, and Melody has a seat on it's side, as does FLOTUS. "Okay. Go ahead." Melody – "Well, the only way to do this is to be blunt. How accurate are the blood tests that say, one's personal physician would do?" FLOTUS – "Well, barring any major mistakes, I would pretty much say that they are 99%. Why?" Melody – "That's what I thought." FLOTUS – "What's going on?" Melody – "You have to promise you won't tell anyone. Especially Sam." FLOTUS – with growing concern "You have my word." In the Lounge in the White House, C.J. is continuing her performance of "The Jackal." The Senior Staff of the White House were, until this point, doing a rather good job at concealing their fears and frustration at the events taking place yesterday. They were laughing, talking with each other, even popping the occasional smart alec remark, sure to get a laugh from the assistants. When these lines are performed however, they all become quite quiet, and watch how C.J. is reacting to the lyrics. C.J. – " '...And in case you hadn't known, they call me The Jackal. Served an 18 year bid. First Rikers Island, then they hid him in the State Penitentiary. Said the charge was Grand Larsony. That was 1975, and today, if he's still alive, he'd be livin' in the park. The brother who's claim to fame was that they called him 'The Jackal.' The Jackal." The assistants clap and applaud for C.J. as she bows, and it takes a few seconds for the Senior Staff to respond in the same manner. The hidden meaning in those lyrics has suddenly hit them, hard.
Melody and the First Lady are still talking in the ladies room. FLOTUS – who is overwhelmed by the information she has just heard. "I had no idea that you have had to go through so much." Melody – "Well, Ma'am. I think it has made me stronger. I certainly have learned a lot from my experiences." FLOTUS – "I would think so." Melody – she pauses for a second or two, then asks "Ma'am, may I ask you a medical question on a somewhat related topic?" FLOTUS – in a serious tone "Absolutely." Melody – "This may sound very silly, but is it possible for a woman to have, I mean, is it really possible for her to get her period and still for her to be, you know, pregnant?" FLOTUS – "It is possible, it doesn't happen very often, but it can. The menstrual flow is usually drastically reduced, as compared to normal, and if it is going to happen, it usually does in the first or second month of term. Why? Do you think..." Melody – with her head down "No. I know. I went to the Doctor on Tuesday and he did some tests. When I called Tuesday night to get the results, he told me congratulations, and that I was about 6 weeks along. I was so stunned by the news that I went out to a coffee bar and stayed out all night. Donna actually found me there. She claimed that she was picking up coffee for her and Josh, but I wouldn't buy it. It turns out that I was being watched by the Secret Service, at the special request of the President, which still floors me, and that Josh and Sam tracked me down. Anyway, I stayed at her place overnight. The next evening, I discovered that I had my period. It was much lighter, and only lasted until Friday evening. I went to the drug store late Friday evening to get a few things, and I picked up a home testing kit, on the odd chance that the doctor's test was wrong. I did the test this morning; first thing, as per the instructions in the box, and it was positive. I'm so scared of telling Sam. We never talked about having kids, and I just don't know what to do." Melody starts to cry, and FLOTUS puts her arms around her and holds on to her tightly. FLOTUS – with a maternal voice "Melody, it's ok." Melody – "No, it's not. He hasn't said a word to me since the revelation, except for necessities, and I just don't know how he's going to take this. He has so many other things to deal with these days, and... I'm just so scared." FLOTUS – taking Melody's chin in her hands "Now, I'm not being the Doctor, I'm being the mother. You love Sam, don't you?" Melody – "With everything I have." FLOTUS – "And he loves you too, doesn't he?" Melody – "He tells me he does." FLOTUS – "He tells you he does. You know damn well he does, Melody. What makes you think that he won't be excited about this? I know for a fact that he loves you so very much. He will be so proud and happy. You need to speak to him. He's going to know sooner or later, and it's gonna be sooner." Melody – "But what if..." FLOTUS – "But nothing. You stay here, I'll be right back." FLOTUS gets up from the side of the tub, unlocks and opens the door. Melody holds her head in her hands and starts to cry. FLOTUS is walking into the room, where everyone is clapping for C.J., who has just completed her rendition of "The Jackal." She has been bowing to her audience with the flair of an Oscar –winning actress. FLOTUS walks up beside her husband, and surveys the room. FLOTUS – leaning towards her husband "Have you seen Sam?" POTUS – "Try the terrace. I think I saw him walk out there before she did this." He gives her a kiss on the forehead as she walks away from him. "Abbey, is everything ok?" FLOTUS – "Just fine." She walks to the terrace, on the other side of the room. She looks through the glass
POTUS – with a smile "Well, that was a nice surprise. I love you too, Abigail." C.J. is talking with Toby, and it is really obvious that she has had a great deal to drink. C.J. – "Ya know, Toby? You're the best. Really, I mean it." Toby – "Well, that's good to hear, C.J." C.J. – "I'd hate for us to be splits... you know." Toby – with a smirk "You mean our torrid affair?" C.J. – almost defensively "It's not torrid! I happen to be great in bed." Everyone giggles, trying hard to repress their laughter. C.J. looks at them all. "What?" Josh – "You're a funny drunk, C.J. I've always been told that I was bad, but this; this definitely takes the cake." C.J. – "At least it takes me more than two drinks, wussy boy." A collective 'Oooh' comes from everyone. Josh – "Hey now. No need to get personal here C.J." C.J. – "While we're getting personal here, Josh my boy, have you spilled the beans yet?" Josh – "What are you talking about? I thought we dealt with the green bean issue months ago." C.J. – turning to him and pretending to whisper. She is actually talking more loudly "You know exactly what I mean. You know. To Donna. About POTUS. That's a funny name isn't it? Donna." Josh – "No, and I think I should get you some coffee." C.J. – outraged "You haven't told her yet? What exactly is the hold up?" Josh – getting antsy "Probably because it is not the most appropriate place and time, C.J." C.J. – yelling "Well Josh, when exactly is it a good time to spring it on your, um, assistant that our boss has Multiple Scleros..." Josh – cutting her off "Is anyone else thinking that C.J. needs to say goodnight to everyone, and that she needs to sleep this off?" To C.J. he whispers "Shut up C.J. This is not the time, and you're drunk. You have no control over your mouth. Shut it for once, God!" C.J. – "But, I don't wanna go home. I wanna stay here." Looking at Carol "Who's that?" Toby – "That's your assistant, Carol." C.J. – "Oh. Hi Carol." She waves, as does Carol. "Who's that?" Toby – "That's Bonnie, Cathy, Ginger, and Margaret." C.J. – with a really puzzled look on her face "And just who are you?" Josh – "That's Donna, C.J." C.J. – "Oh yeah, I know Donna. She's the one with the funny name. You two are cute together." Donna gets a bit embarrassed, and does the pouty lip thing she does when she's embarrassed that Josh just loves. Josh – with a smile, he winks at Donna. She winks back. "C.J., shut up." C.J. – "Ok." As Toby and Josh assist her in walking out of the room, we hear a very loud conversation from behind closed doors in a room down the hall. As it progresses into a yelling match, the people gathered at the party move their way down the hall so they can hear a little more of what's going on. Melody – "Don't you accuse me of that." Sam – "Why? It's true. You kept all this from me for how many months?" Melody – "What have I ever kept from you?" Sam – "There's not enough time in the day to even begin the list." Melody – raising her voice "What kind of a lame response is that?" Sam – with an arrogant tone "All right then. Would you like the list alphabetically, numerically, or in the order of importance?" Melody – "There's no need for you to be a smart ass. You want me to admit this? Fine. Yes, I admit I didn't tell you about the stuff with the President. He is my client, and anything that he tells me in the context of a meeting with his legal counsel, I have to keep confidential and I can not tell anyone what we discuss. Even you." Sam – "But, Melody. Something like this?" Melody – "Especially something like this. Sam, you know better than anyone that there are people on the Hill that are out to get him. If word of his health status got out before he was ready for the hit, don't you think that there would be absolute chaos?" Sam – with a smile "And there isn't now?" Melody – yelling at him full force "Good God Sam, he has Multiple." She suddenly remembers where they
Sam – matching her tone "No, I don't. I think that he should have been forthright and honest with the public about his medical condition before he sought the Presidency. " Melody – in a softer voice, but still loud "You're pissed that he told me before he told you, aren't you?" Sam – turning away from her "That's bullshit Melody, and you know it. It's about the administration. He has lied to the entire administration, and I don't know how I can get him back." Melody – yelling at Sam, yet again "Good Lord. Don't you people ever talk about anything other than the blessed administration? To hell with the administration! Don't you think that the President and I had this discussion, long before the thought of telling you ever came up? It's not about the damn administration. If you want the nuts and bolts, I'll give it to you like that. It's about one man's battle against the world; and that one man, is definitely not you." Sam – "How can you say that it's not my fight? It sure as hell is. I write his speeches. I plan the events that he is going to speak at. I voted for him. Surely that has to count for something. It certainly is my fight, and don't you have the audacity to say it isn't." Melody – with a frustrated tone "You pretentious, arrogant, son of a bitch. How dare you say that to my face? How dare you, considering your job, put your self interests in front of anyone else's." Sam – "And the pot calls the kettle black. How dare I? How dare I? Don't you think there are few things that you're not telling me?" Melody – "Like what? You seem to be full of answers today, among other things, so answer me that one." Sam – "Why were you drinking on Tuesday?" Melody – "Because I wanted... I don't have to explain my actions to you, Sam." Sam – "When your actions affect me, then yes. You do." Melody – "What the hell are you talking about? You are making no sense at..." Sam – standing right in front of her, yelling at her full force, as she just did to him. "I'll tell you what
Melody – quietly, looking up at him with undeniable hurt in her eyes "How dare you. How dare you think that I would be so careless and thoughtless to do something like that. Did it ever occur to you that I thought you had a hell of a lot more important things to deal with than this, and that you would not need this added stress on your shoulders? Did it ever occur to you that I may be feeling a little bit of guilt at the fact that I am pregnant considering my past; that I may, believe it or not, be scared to death to be a mother? Did it ever occur to you that I might possibly feel completely unworthy to carry this baby considering everything that I have been through? For your information, Mr. Seaborn, I told Donna that I was drinking, because I thought that she would leave me alone if I said I was." She walks to the door in the room, puts her hand on the door, opens it slightly, pauses then turns to face him. "Just for the record, I was drinking decaf with steamed milk and Irish cream flavor – no alcohol." She leaves the room, and closes the door with a very loud slam. Melody walks towards the main entrance to the Residence, not noticing that she passed by those that had now made their way back to the room down the hall, where C.J.'s party was. She stops at the main door for a second, almost as though she was going to turn back and go to Sam. She steps back one room, to where all the coats are hung. One of the butlers comes to her aid, and helps her on with her coat. "Thank you," she says with a very quiet voice. He nods, and hands her, her purse. Butler – "Would you like me to call a taxi for you, Ma'am?" Melody – quietly, "Please. I would appreciate that. I'll be waiting in the North Lot." The butler nods and heads towards the room to call. Melody walks towards the door where the stairs are, and the Secret Service open the door for her. "Thanks," she says to them, as she starts walking down the stairs, holding the hand rail. The agent nods, and lifts up his arm to speak into his mic. A moment passes by, and Sam exits the bathroom where the blow-out took place, and finds everyone waiting, in close proximity of the room for him to exit. He stops in his tracks and surveys the faces of the people staring at him. He sees POTUS and FLOTUS, both of them with their arms crossed, and FLOTUS tapping her fingers against her arm. She has the 'I'm pissed at you, and you'd better explain yourself' look on her face. He sees Josh, his arm wrapped around Donna to support her. She has been crying, and has her head leaned against his shoulder. Toby is standing beside C.J., holding her upright, and she has a large, very happy smile on her face. He scans the group and sees the sour expressions that they are all, with the exception of C.J., throwing in his general direction. Sam - with an annoyed look on his face he says "Good Lord. I'm not on trial." He walks right through them, brushing past POTUS and FLOTUS without so much as a glance. Everyone that he would have trampled over steps out of his way, still giving him their various looks of death. Josh reaches out and grabs Sam's arm. Sam stops in his tracks, turns to Josh and looks at him. Josh - "Any time. You know that." Sam nods. He understands the importance of those words. He grabs his coat from the cloak room, checks his pockets for his keys, then walks to the doors of the Residence, as those at C.J.'s party watch him leave. 11:46 p.m. Sam and Melody's house. The Kitchen. We see the inside of the house, with no lights on. The only two exceptions are the light from a room upstairs, and the light in the kitchen. We see Sam sitting at the kitchen table, a cup of coffee and a partially eaten sandwich sitting on the table beside him. He is talking on the phone. Sam - "You know Josh, I'd like to think that, but I can't be too optimistic. It's not going to be ready by 8; I'd say 11 or 12." (pause) "Ya, ok. I'll see ya Monday. Thanks, man. Bye." Sam hangs up the phone while running the fingers of his free hand through his hair. He sighs, then leaves the kitchen. As he heads toward the stairs, he turns out the kitchen light, locks the front door, and slowly heads up the stairs towards the bedroom. We can hear classical music playing softly from the stereo in the bedroom. As Sam enters the room, we see Melody sitting on the couch, reading from a file folder with the Presidential Seal on the front. We see piles of file folders on the small table beside her, and we also see a small fire in the fireplace. Sam looks at her, then heads to the bed, gets in between the sheets and closes his eyes, ready for sleep. Melody takes off her glasses, and looks at his sleeping form on the bed. She leans toward the table and turns off the lamp. She leans back on the couch, and closes her eyes. 7:48 a.m., Sunday Morning. Sam and Melody's bedroom. Sunlight is peering through the closed blinds in the bedroom. We see a form in the bed, but we can not see whose form it is. We slowly get a glimpse at the person laying in the bed. We see a slender arm reaching from under the comforter and a right arm reaching to the other side of the bed. We now know that it is Melody, and that by the actions that her hand is making, she is looking for Sam. He is not there, and from the looks of the sheets, has not been there most of the night. She turns over and sees the sheets on his side of the bed have not really moved during the night. She sits up, runs her hands over her face in a gesture of frustration. She looks around the room for any signs of life, and sees none. There are no light fixtures on, no music, no sounds of running water. Melody gets a nervous look on her face, and puts her feet on the ground, her slippers gliding on her feet as if they already knew what to do. She passes by the couch, where she sees a pillow and a blanket strewn carelessly on the end. She gets a look of frustration on her face. She thinks to herself "If you just weren't so stubborn." She takes the blanket in one hand and begins to fold it. She leans over to get the pillow, stands up, then immediately sits down on the couch. "Man, I hate that. I get so dizzy these days." She sees a piece of paper on the table in front of her that she knows was not there last night; that it was not one of the sheets in the files she was reading. She gets a look of worry on her face, then as she reads the look fades away. She reads to herself 'Gone to work, don't know when I'll be back, but it'll be late. S.' She says "Wait a second. How did I get into the bed? I swear, Samuel. If you picked me up when I was sleeping and carried me into bed, I'll..." She gives an exasperated sigh, but with a little smile on her face. "I know you care." 9:43 a.m. The White House. Communications Bullpen. We hear the sounds of keys clicking on a computer keyboard, as we scan across the darkened bullpen. It is not often that there is no activity in this place, and Sam has taken advantage of the calm. We can see through the windows in his office, that he is sitting at his desk, with his laptop up and running, and he is typing something; creating some brilliant passage to the proposal, which is to be made to the President. Sam – thinking to himself as he types "We can not allow this administration to sit in silence another moment longer. The effect of that silence has taken its' toll on the nation's children, and it is time for the United States' Government to act, while those whose purpose is self preservation and betterment can react. We will not take our children's future for granted, and we will not allow such acts of cowardice and self-gratification to take precedence over the welfare of our children." He stops typing for a second, and reads over what he has just written. He takes his glasses off with his left hand, and holds his pencil in his right. He leans back in his chair, and looks straight at his screen. He thinks to himself "Our children. I never thought that those words would mean as much as they actually do. God. I know I'm ecstatic about this, but why can't I show it? My god. I'm gonna be a father." A smile creeps up on his face as he is thinking about this. He glances over at his desk, and sees a picture of him, the President, the First Lady and Melody, taken when they were at Zoey's birthday party this past April. It is the same picture that Melody was looking at on the plane when she initially heard of Sam's accident. He smiles. He reaches over to the picture, takes hold of it, and leans back in his chair, looking at the picture. He takes his hand, and covers the part of the picture which contains the President and First Lady. He looks at the picture, and with a smile on his face says out loud "I'm sorry that I've been such a jerk." "That's ok, we're used to it." A familiar voice is heard from the doorway to Sam's office. Sam immediately puts the picture face down on his desk. Sam - "Leo! What are you doing here on a Sunday morning? Do you want some coffee?" Leo – "No thanks. Please sit. I had a feeling that I would find you here. I called Melody a few moments ago, and she said that you were at the office. Seeing as there is no one in the Mess, I thought it would be a safe bet you would be in your office, working away." He sits on the couch in his office. "Do you mind some company?" Sam – "Not at all. I'm just devoted to my job, I guess. What can I do for you?" Leo – "Well Sam, it's like this. You're an idiot." Sam – "I beg your pardon?" Leo – "I'm the older one here, and I don't need to get my ears checked. I said, you're an idiot." Sam – "Ok. Do you mind telling me why?" Leo – "Not at all. I'd rather enjoy it actually. You see, we are comrades, confidantes if you will. We, meaning you, the President, Toby, C.J., Josh and I. The President and I have a different relationship, seeing as he is my best friend, but there are times when I can't stand the things he does, and my job kicks in. It may shock you to realize that neither he nor I are perfect. We fight, just as any best friends will do." Sam – "Leo, may I ask what you are actually here to discuss with me? Because if it is about the friendship you have with the President, I've heard that speech before, and I actually do have a lot of work to do." Leo – "Patience is a virtue which you, especially now, are going to have to acquire. Now, I know about the situation at your place, and I am not about to pretend that it doesn't bother me. Quite frankly it annoys me to no end, and that is when I have to step in. Firstly, there are certain things that you
don't do. You don't get into a yelling match with your girlfriend in the Residence of the White House. Second. I'm not concerned with respect for myself, I can get that on my own. But you
don't brush off the President and First Lady of the United States, just because you're pissed at someone for something that they can't control. Third. I know that you love her more than
anything on this earth, so I expect you to be at home tonight, apologizing to her on bended knee, and if groveling is required, I expect that you will do what is required. I hate to add insult to injury, but you screwed up with Mallory. Big time. She has sufficiently recovered, and it is evident to me that you have the opportunity to do so as well. You have a woman that loves you unconditionally living with you at your home. Why would you want to mess with that? That is every man's dream, Sam. Can't you realize that?" Sam - "Leo, I am well aware of how much she loves me. Believe it or not, I am not stupid." Leo - "If you can't admit that you have a large issue with trust, then yes. You are." Sam - standing up from his chair, he is getting very defensive. "Can you really blame me? I understand that she is the President's lawyer, and that she has the relationship with him of lawyer/client confidentiality. I completely realize, and share in her professional ethics and I respect them. Believe it or not, I even understand why she kept the pregnancy from me for the time being. She was concerned that it would stress me out even more, and I respect that." He sits down in his chair "I just don't want for this, for us, to turn out like my parents." Leo - quietly "This is all about your father, isn't it?" Sam – "He's a jerk, Leo. I don't want to be like that; I really don't know if I'm ready to be a father." Leo - with a sarcastic smile on his face "Well, you should've thought of that before you two decided to start..." Sam – with a smirk. "Very funny." Leo - "I try." Sam - "I don't know why I am laying all this on you. It's not your problem." Leo – "Sam, there are two people in this administration that I have always thought of as my kids. Josh, for one, and you." Sam - with a surprised look "Come again?" Leo - "Yes. As you know, Josh's dad and I were really close when he was growing up. We have been through a lot together, and I guess I always kinda watched out for him. Then when this stuff happened last year with your dad, I kinda thought that I would take you on too, without you knowing, of course. Because, well, you know. It's the whole mushy thing, which I don't do very well." Sam - with a smile "Ya. I know. That really does mean a lot Leo. I appreciate it." Leo - "No problem." Sam's phone rings. Sam - to Leo "Excuse me." Sam picks up the phone. "Sam Seaborn." (pause) Quietly, he speaks. "Hi. How are you?" Leo mouths 'Melody', Sam nods yes. Leo gets up to leave, and Sam motions for him to stay. "Ok. What do you need?" (pause) "Well, remember the movie 'Finding Forrester' that we saw a few weeks ago? Well, it's exactly like he said in that movie. 'No thinking. That comes later. You write your first draft with your heart. And you rewrite with your head. The first key to writing is to write, not to think.' " Leo - "Excellent line." Sam - into the phone "Ya, that was Leo." (pause) "Melody says hi." Leo waves. "Hi back." He pauses for a moment, no one talking on either end of the phone. "When is it that you leave for New York again?" (pause) "Wednesday afternoon at 4:30." He says as he writes it down on a piece of paper. "Ok. I'll be home about 5-ish. What can your stomach handle for dinner?" (pause) he is writing on the same piece of paper. "I'll help you out when I get home, but I think we need to sit down and talk about some stuff first. Does that sound like a good plan to you?" (pause) "You got it. Bye." He moves the phone away from his ear, then brings it right back when he hears her voice call his name. "Ya." (pause) "14, 33. See ya later." He hangs up the phone, and with a smile on his face turns over the picture of them that he laid flat on his desk. Leo - "That sounded promising." Sam - startled "I forgot that you were in here. Sorry about that, Leo. Where were we?" Leo - "You were on your way home. That's where we were." Sam - "The moment I get this finished up. I'm almost done the first draft." Leo - getting up from the couch and looking at Sam "I do get a copy of the final draft, right?" Sam – "I'll get it to you as soon as it's done." Leo walks to the door of Sam's office, and is stopped by the sound of his name. "Leo." Leo - turning around to face Sam "Ya." Sam - "Thanks. I mean that." Leo - with a fatherly smile "You're very welcome. Get back to work." Sam smiles, then resumes his position over the keyboard of his computer. 5:43 p.m. Sam and Melody's house. Sam comes in the front door of the house, and is greeted by the sounds of beautiful piano music. He instantly recognizes the piece as one of Melody's favorite working to music pieces, 'Chopin's Polonaise No. 6 in A flat, Op. 53.' He assumes it is from the stereo, as Melody has a great deal of work to be doing with the deposition. He closes the door behind him, and heads to the kitchen, take out food in hand. He swings open the door, and doesn't see Melody. He turns on the oven and puts the food in to keep it warm for them for later. The piano music grows stronger as he looks through the rooms on the first floor of the house. He looks in the Living Room, the Dining Room. No Melody. He walks down the hallway in the middle of the house, and walks towards the Study, to which the door is shut. The music gets louder as he slowly opens the door, and finds Melody sitting at the piano, playing to her hearts content. He leans against the door for a moment, listening to the emotion that she is putting into the piece of music. Upon it's conclusion, he stops leaning, stands up straight, and applauds. Sam – "That was absolutely beautiful." Melody – who feels somewhat embarrassed by the fact that she was caught playing "Thanks. I didn't know I had an audience." Sam - walking over to the piano, he sits on the bench beside her. "Well, if you captivate audiences the way you've captivated me, then my dear, you have chosen the wrong profession." Melody – lowering her head to conceal her embarrassment, "Sam." Sam - after a moment of silent tension, he gently lifts her chin up so he can look at her eyes "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me, I am truly sorry. For everything." Melody – "You have nothing to be sorry for." Sam - "Yes, I do. I don't admit that I am wrong often, so milk this, okay?" Melody – with a smile "You got it." Sam - "I had a talk with Leo today." Melody – "I kinda had a feeling you would. He called looking for you and I told him you were at the office." Sam - "He caught me in the middle of a thought, and he called me on it. I admitted to him that I was acting like a jerk. To him, to you, to everyone really. We talked for a bit, and he gave me some things to think about. Anyway, I finished my proposal wordings, and took them to him in his office. We talked for a little bit more, and I told him that I thought I needed to get away. Just for a couple of days." Melody – with a look of worry "Where? Sam, I don't know if I can deal with you leaving. What about your job? The country won't go on hold just because..." Sam - "Let me finish, okay?" Melody – still with the look of worry "Okay." Sam - "I asked him if I could work a half day on Wednesday, because I had made previous arrangements to be out of town until late Friday evening, at the least. I told him that I would keep in touch by phone and email, so you don't have to worry about that. I may even stay away until Sunday, but I haven't figured that out yet. I'm just going to take that as it comes." Melody – "Sam, that's five days. What if you fall and get hurt? Who's going to be there to take care of you?" Sam - putting his hands on her shoulders to calm her "You will." Melody – with a confused look "Huh?" Sam - with a smile "I told Leo that, according to his advice this afternoon, I made a reservation on a plane for myself. You see, I'm planning on taking a little trip to New York." Melody – who's face lit up at that last statement "Sam! You really want to come with me?" Sam - "Melody, you and I need to get away from everything, even if it is just for a few days. We need to get re-focused on everything that is going on; we need to get re-focused on us. I thought, seeing as you had to be in New York anyway, I would tag along. That is, of course, if you want me to." Melody – tears running down her face, she pulls him close for an embrace "Sam. Of course I want you to come. I would be miserable if you weren't there. We can visit the gang at Gage/Whitney and rub it in their faces that we work for the President." Sam - with an evil smile "True. Or, you could let me plan all the extra-curricular activities. I know New York pretty well, you know." Melody – "There's not much to do outside at this time of year; it's freezing out there these days. Just watch CNN – it'll tell you." Sam - "I promise you, you won't be cold. I'll personally see to that." Melody – holding his face between her hands, she looks at him "Sam, I promise you that I will never again keep anything from you." Sam - "I love you." He leans in for a kiss, which she readily accepts. He breaks the kiss and poses this question "So. Is it true that babies can hear, but that they can't see or smell?" Melody – "I think so. I know that when my partner Jessica was pregnant, her husband would play opera all the time to help calm the baby when she was restless. It might be true, but I guess we'll never know for sure." Sam - He puts his hand on her tummy, and she covers his hand with hers. He leans down to talk to the baby "Hey there. This is your dad. Don't you go making your mom sick, 'cause I have to clean it up, then you'll be in big trouble." Melody smiles. "And don't be telling her that you want ice cream and dill pickles at 3 in the morning in the middle of a snowstorm, 'cause you won't be getting that either!" Melody laughs. Their hands stay on her stomach as they speak "What?" Melody – "You are going to be the best dad, you know that?" Sam - "You think so?" Melody – "I know so. Come here." They kiss. Sam - looks at Melody, with a serious face. "Melody, do you remember that letter you wrote me last week on Thanksgiving?" Melody nods her head. "I remember you saying something about how if I would have you back that you would run back with open arms, do you remember?" Melody – quietly "Yes, I remember." Sam - "Well, it's me that has to do the running back." Melody – with a smile "You can barely walk, Sam. How do you expect to run?" Sam - with a smile "You know what I mean. I completely apologize, and if you will have me back, even after all the crap that I have put you through over the past few days, then if I have to, I will run." Melody – who is tearing up after hearing that speech "Sam, you were never gone. There was just a little distance. These arms are always open, and you don't have to run very far, because I'll meet you half way, okay?" Sam - "You're the best." Melody – "Yup. I am. But that's only because I have the best." She puts her right hand on the back of his head, while his and her hands are still resting on her stomach. She pulls him close for another kiss. Well, I hope that you enjoyed this one. Let me know what you think! email me at jillianbarry@hotmail.com Comments, criticism, etc. is always welcome!
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