Chapter 9
Kelsey walked back to the White House feeling like she could take on the world. She was ecstatic that everything had gone so well that she couldn't wait to get back and share her joy with the
rest of the staff.
"Hi, Carol," Kelsey said as she passed C.J.'s assistant in the hallway.
"You better get into Leo's office. He's been looking for you," replied Carol.
"Do you know what it's about?"
"No, but if I were you, I'd get in there pronto," she warned.
"Okay, thanks."
Kelsey was really confused now. What could she have possibly done wrong that Leo was looking for her? She'd only been here a week and she thought she'd done well at the hearing. Kelsey
headed towards Leo's office, a feeling a dread hanging over her.
"Kelsey, I'm glad you're back. He's been hollering for you for the last ten minutes," remarked Margaret as the younger woman entered the outer office.
"What did I do wrong?" She was really getting worried.
"I don't know, but whatever is, I'm glad I'm not in your shoes."
"Margaret! Is Kelsey back yet?!" Leo demanded. His voice coming through the closed door loud and clear.
Margaret shrugged her shoulders at Kelsey as she opened the door.
"I'm right here, Leo," Kelsey said as she entered the Chief of Staff's office.
"Good. The President wants to see you."
"Leo, what's going on? I get back from the Hill and both Carol and Margaret tell me that you're looking for me and now you tell me the President wants to see me."
"Why don't I have him explain," Leo replied as he opened the door into the Oval Office.
The President and the rest of the Senior Staff were sitting in the Oval Office trying to look as if they were doing something important when Leo and Kelsey walked in.
"Good evening, Mr. President," said Leo as they entered the room.
"Good evening, Leo…Kelsey."
"Good evening, sir."
Leo sat down on the sofa opposite the President while Kelsey remained standing next to a chair.
"Kelsey, I have watched many people testify before a Congressional sub-committee during my career. Hell, I've even testified at a couple myself and I just want to say…" Bartlet paused for
dramatic effect. "That your testimony today was the best damn speech I have ever heard!"
The Senior Staff broke out into smiles and applause for their new colleague. It was at that moment that Kelsey started to cry. The President walked over and put his arms around her.
"What's wrong?"
"I thought you were going to fire me," she answered, wiping the tears away.
Bartlet and Leo both laughed.
"After what you accomplished today, I'd be crazy to let you go and work for the other side!" Bartlet replied, being entirely serious.
"Now, why don't you relax and enjoy your moment?" added Leo.
"Not until I call my mom and ask her what she thought."
"Why don't you stop crying and ask me right now?" Anne commented as Toby pushed her into the center of the room.
Kelsey leaned down and received a warm hug from her mother.
"You did good, kid!" Anne whispered into her daughter's ear.
"Thanks, mom," she replied and kissed her mother's cheek.
Josh produced a bottle of sparkling grape juice and poured a glass for everyone. After making certain those present had a glass, the President held up his.
"A toast, to the newest member of my staff who proved today why exactly I decided to hire her! To Kelsey!"
"To Kelsey!" they cheered.
The staff stayed in the Oval Office for a little awhile drinking and talking. Eventually most of them went back to work and soon all that remained was Kelsey, Leo, Josh, Anne and the
President. Kelsey and Anne listened as Josh talked about his father who had also battled cancer. Leo and the President were discussing the problems they were having with Senator
Hughmann. They were in a heated debate when Anne spoke up.
"Excuse me, Mr. President, but may I say something?" she asked.
Bartlet turned to face Anne.
"Any contribution to the debate is welcome, Anne. You know that."
"Well, then, if you'll pardon my bluntness. Senator Hughmann is only attaching this rider because he knows you're going to back down."
"Excuse me?"
"You're too soft on Congress, sir."
Josh spit out his drink as Anne made her comment. Leo looked over at her and grinned and poor Kelsey wished that a hole would open up in the middle of the room and swallow her.
Bartlet's face remained unchanged, as he stood there speechless. He took his glasses off and looked over at Kelsey.
"You know something, kid. I should hire your mom as a consultant, because she's absolutely right!"
"Of course I'm right! Most people agree with me. Let him attach the rider and when the bill fails, stand Hughmann on the steps of the Capitol and blame him for the world to see."
Later, Kelsey and her mother were sitting in Kelsey's office. Anne sat needlepointing while her daughter finished off some paperwork.
"I can't believe you told the President that he's soft on Congress," Kelsey remarked as she looked up from her papers.
"Well, he agreed with me," Anne replied.
"Mother!"
"Kelsey! I am too old to change who I am. It's time you got used to it!"
"Fine."
"And another thing, why hasn't Josh Lyman asked you out on a date yet?"
"I've only known him for two months, mom. Besides, he's a very busy person…as am I."
"That's no excuse. He's had plenty of time to ask you."
"I don't know. Why don't you go and ask him?"
"Maybe I will," Anne remarked. She started to back her wheelchair up towards the door.
Kelsey jumped out of her seat and grabbed hold of the chair's handles.
"Please, don't do this to me, mom," she begged.
"Only if you promise to stop being such a workaholic and take some time out for yourself."
"I promise. Now, will you please come back in my office?"
Anne allowed Kelsey to push her back to where she had been. Kelsey leaned down to help move Anne's foot back on the one brace.
"I only say these things because I love you."
"I know, mom."
"Life's too short to waste."
"I know."