~~~

Leo's eyes widened as he walked, well. . . was pushed into the ballroom where the reunion was being held.

Abbey placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, "Come on, Leo. Just get it over with."

"Yes, ma'am." He said loudly as he muttered under his breath, "Although I still don't see why I have to."

Abbey threw him a look that clearly said, 'Don't push it!'

Leo saw the look and moved his eyes to the ground as he slowly walked towards the seats set up to the side, near the refreshments. Jed could make him go, but he couldn't make him have fun.

Leo looked to his right as he sat down, seeing someone who looked familiar, and yet he couldn't quite place her. . . Amanda. Amanda Benningford.

"Leo McGarry?" She moved over to his table and sat down. "I didn't really expect to see you here. It's good to see you."

He smiled weakly, "It's good to see you too, Amanda. How have you been?"

She hesitated slightly to find the right words, "Better."

He nodded, understanding. "So, why did you decide to come?"

"Probably for the same reasons you did. Let me guess," She looked over onto the dance floor at Jed and Abbey dancing, "A friend made you?"

"I'm here by order of the President of the United States."

Amanda couldn't help but to laugh. It was just so hard for her to see Jed, the class nerd, the class clown, and the class valedictorian as the President of the United States. Amanda was about to reply to Leo's comment as Abbey and Jed approached them from the dance floor.

"Hello, Amanda," Abbey smiled and offered her hand.

Amanda looked stunned. She personally knew the First Lady and the President of the United States. She went to high school with the President, and college with both of them. She had played a small role in getting the two of them together, and was a member of the bridal party. Reaching her hand out to meet Abbey's she said, "Mrs. Bartlet."

"Call me Abbey." She smiled.

Amanda smiled, "Okay. Abbey. Good to see you again. It's been a long time."

"Hello Amanda. Good to see you again." Jed really had no clue who was before him, so he was glad when his wife said her name. Without her, Jed would be so screwed at events like this.

Amanda smiled, "Mr. President. You look wonderful. And congratulations on your office." Amanda groaned inwardly. That had to be about the stupidest thing she'd ever said.

"Thanks. I'm loving it. Hey, did you know that the eagle in the carpet of the Oval Office. . ." Jed felt an elbow in his side and turned to see Abbey grinning at him.

Amanda chuckled, seeing that he had obviously not lost his love of inane trivia. She glanced at Leo as Jed began again. "The eagle. . ." Jed felt another elbow in his side as he turned back to his wife.

Abbey smirked, "Dance with me Dr. Bartlet." She pulled him up and out onto the dance floor.

Amanda breathed a sigh or relief. "Thank you, God. I don't need to know about the eagle." She laughed and looked at Leo.


TBC. . .