Chapter 10
Kelsey sat staring out the window of Air Force One. She almost had to pinch herself into believing that for the past six weeks she had been working for President Bartlet. Her job was
challenging and rewarding. The staff was terrific and she really loved living in DC.
"Are you going to brief the press?" Toby asked, looking up from his papers.
"On my way now."
She walked over to the Press side of the plane and began to wake up the reporters.
"Good morning, we're going to be landing in approximately a half hour so I'd thought I'd go over the itinerary. The mayor and other dignitaries will greet the President upon arrival.
Afterwards we will proceed to the hotel where the President will receive several morning briefings. At 7:30, the President will depart the hotel for Harpo Studios. At 9 am, President Bartlet
will be Oprah Winfrey's guest."
"Following the show, we will proceed to Madonna High School for an assembly that will take place at 10:40 am. At 2:30, the President will deliver a lecture at the University of Illinois at
Chicago. His topic will be 'The Growth of the American Economic System'. Tonight, there will be a fundraiser at the Drake Hotel at which several local jazz musicians will perform. Those
of you, who have been granted press credentials for this evening, please remember to dress appropriately. Welcome to Chicago where the local time is 4:45 am. And the temperature is 45
degrees. "
Kelsey answered a few questions and then returned to her seat for the landing.
"Great job with the briefing," complimented Josh.
"Thanks."
The plane landed and soon they were all off and running. Josh had a meeting with a couple of Chicago Alderman to attend and Toby was dealing with another meeting regarding Veterans
Affairs. Kelsey felt as if she was tied to the President's hip especially as she prepped him in the limo on the way to Oprah. The biggest thrill came at Madonna High School when the
President mentioned during his speech that his Deputy Press Secretary was an alumna of the school. Thankfully, he didn't mention the year.
That night, Kelsey stood in the Grand Ballroom of the Drake Hotel making small talk with the donors who were present. Among them were a few doctors from her previous job.
"So, Kelsey have you given any further thought about coming back to work for us?" asked her former boss.
"Now, Robert, why would I want to work with a narrow-minded egomaniac who drove me crazy when I can work for the President of the United States," she replied, smiling.
"How's your mom?" another doctor asked.
"She's fine. She really loves DC. Dr. Bartlet recommended a terrific oncologist, a Dr. Richard Nielson at GW."
"He's tops in his field."
"I know," Kelsey replied.
"Excuse me, Kelsey, but you have a phone call," Donna said as she handed her a cell phone.
"You'll excuse me."
After finding a quiet corner, she put the phone to her ear.
"Hello…yes? Thank you. Mom?"
"Hi, sweetie," Anne replied sounding strange.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm in the hospital"
"What happened?"
"It's nothing. Just a bout of pneumonia. I'll be fine."
"Are you sure? Because I can catch the next flight back to DC."
"No. It's your first Presidential trip, stay and enjoy yourself."
"Mom, I'm going to tell the President that I have to fly back tonight."
"No, you're not. There is nothing at all you can do for me here. The doctors and nurses can handle everything. I'll see you when you get back tomorrow afternoon. Or do I have to call the
President and have him order you to stay?"
"You'd do it too, wouldn't you?" teased Kelsey.
"In a heartbeat. I'm going to get some sleep now. "
"I'll talk to you in the morning."
"Goodnight, Kelsey."
"Night, mom."
"Is everything all right?" Bartlet asked, catching Kelsey off-guard.
"I guess."
"What is it?"
"Mom's in the hospital with pneumonia," she explained.
"You're flying back tonight then?"
"No. She insists that I stay overnight. Mom even threatened to call you and have you order me to stay."
Bartlet smiled. "She did now?"
Just then Donna approached the President. "Excuse me, sir, but Anne Saufl is on the phone and needs to speak with you."
Kelsey groaned as Bartlet took the call and assured Anne that Kelsey would not return to DC until the next day.