The POV is Jed's

Part 1

I feel Abbey's cool hand on the back of my neck as I take a deep breath and begin.

"Thanks for coming over on short notice. I know you are all staring at the cane wondering what happened? Did I borrow Leo's bike again? Did I trip because I was once again walking and reading a book at the same time? What did your geeky President do this time?

"Well some of those things probably did occur to us" quips Josh.

Leo gives him the evil eye and he looks like a hurt child.

"I didn't hurt my back or anything like that. I have been keeping something from you and from the rest of America. Abbey and I feel it is time to come clean and fill everyone in. Seven years ago I started to have some strange symptoms including muscle weakness and fainting among other things. After numerous tests I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis."

The room gives a collective gasp. Abbey squeezes my hand and Leo just gives me a little nod.

"My particular type is called relapsing/remitting. I have a normal life expectancy. I should recover fully from each relapse. I usually go for over a year without any problems. My last one was right before the State of the Union last winter. That's right, when I broke the glass pitcher and was sprawled out on the floor right behind me. I had another relapse last night. I've been having some weakness in my leg hence the need for the cane. Hopefully it will only be for a few days."

I realize no one is speaking. A big change from how things usually are in my office. And everyone is just staring at me. It's beginning to get unnerving.

"Will someone please say something, anything?"

Sam is the first to break the awkward silence. "I think I speak for everyone here when I say we are all shocked by your news. I don't know exactly what to say or do"

Everyone murmurs in agreement.

"I'm sure you all have a lot of questions. Feel free to throw them at me. I know this is a lot to take in but I really feel it was time to come clean."

"Why did you decide that now was the time" asked Josh.

"I had a really rough night last night. It wasn't just hard on me. Abbey and Leo spent the better part of the night staying up with me. I realized I wasn't being fair to them, making them keep this a secret. Before you ask, Leo has known since the State of the Union. Last night I decided to just tell the rest of my staff but Leo and I talked this morning about just going public and getting on with more important things."

"What brings on the relapses, sir?" asks Toby.

"Different people have different triggers. Mine tend to be fever and stress. The episode usually only lasts a day or two. Sometimes a symptom will stick around longer. I think this limp will be around for a while. So Abbey and Admiral Hackett think the cane is a good idea. They want to try and reduce the chance of me falling or something like that. Apparently there is a rumor that I am a klutz."

At least that brings a few smiles to the room. I notice CJ hasn't said too much. She's just staring at me.

"CJ, is there anything you want to ask"

She starts to say something but can't get the words out. Tears spring to her eyes and Toby hands her a tissue. Great, I've made my Press Secretary cry. I look around the room and everyone starts reaching for the tissues. Thanks to Mrs. Landingham there are plenty of tissues to go around. Before she went home she strategically placed some around the room. What would I ever do without her. The only one not crying is Leo but he can't even look me in the eye either. I hear Abbey sniffling behind me.

"OK, enough crying. I'm not dying. I just might need a little help, a hand here and there to help me up. I do not want to be fussed over. And that is an order, understood?"

I get a room full of nods. Nobody wants to try and speak yet.

"I'm sure all of you have things to do. Please don't make a big deal out of this. Have a great weekend and I will see you Monday morning."