The Senator's Twin Daughters

Chapter 15

Jack looks at himself in the mirror one more time for he is to go outside to meet the press. Since the news about Caroline and Arabella, his office has been bombarded with phone calls from members of the press. Each one scrambles to find out if the breaking story is true.

After a long talk with Bobby and his other campaign advisors, it was decided that its best for Jack to admit that Caroline and Arabella are indeed his daughters. He won't go into deep detail about why he decided not to announce he has children, but he will ask that they focus on the issues and not his personal life.

Just then there is a knock at the door.

"Who is it," he asks turning towards the door.

"It's me, Jack," Bobby replies as he walks in.

Jack shakes his head. His brothers don't respect his need for privacy.

"You ready to go, Jack, the press is outside waiting," Bobby asks leaning against the wall.

"Yes, I'm ready. I just want to know who informed the press."

"I don't know, but I'm working on finding out," Bobby replies, "For some reason, I can't help but feel like Lyndon Johnson has something to do with this."

He turns to look at his younger brother.

"Why Lyndon?"

"Because Jack, ever since you announced your candidacy he's been on a smear campaign. Remember he told the press that you had a lot of health ailments a few months ago. You are his biggest threat in getting the nomination. Besides Hubert Humphrey isn't stupid nor does he seem like the type."

"I guess I can rest easy tonight knowing Senator Humphrey isn't stupid," Jack says straightening his tie one more time. 

"You can say what you want Jack, I have a strong feeling Lyndon has something to do with the news of Jackie and the girls," Bobby says checking his watch. 

"Well we will find out soon, I already have Dave and Kenny working on it. Alright, let's get this over with," Jack says walking out of his room. He didn't want to do this but he feels like it will calm the storm. 

Just as the door opens he is bombarded with the constant calling of his name. "Senator Kennedy," the reporters constantly shouting. 

Pierre Salinger his recently hired press secretary steps up to the podium first causing them to become quiet. 

"Thank you all for coming," Pierre says, "Senator Kennedy has called this press conference to answer some questions about the recent announcement of the paternity of his daughters. Please understand the Senator will not answer any questions he deems too personal. Ladies and Gentlemen Senator Kennedy." 

Jack then takes his place at the podium and takes the note cards he had out of his jacket pocket. 

"Thank you, Pierre, and thank you ladies and gentlemen for being here today. Recently it was announced that I have two daughters and I am here to say that it is true. I am the father of two intelligent, beautiful, little girls named Arabella and Caroline. I ask that you please respect Ms. Bouvier's privacy as well as the privacy of my daughters. I also ask you to focus on what is important which is the platform on which my campaign is based."

One reporter in the back raises his hand and Jack points to him. 

"Senator Kennedy, why now are you announcing you have children?"

"Like I've stated before the focus should be on the platform that I am running on, not my personal life," Jack replies stoically. 

Then another reporter raises their hand which he acknowledges them. 

"Senator Kennedy if you win the election, will you have Ms. Bouvier and your daughters move into the White House with you?"

He takes a deep breath, "That decision will be made when the time comes, as of right now Ms. Bouvier and I already have an arrangement that works best for our daughters."

For another half-hour, he goes through countless questions about his and Jackie's relationship status as well as some questions about the campaign. Once he is inside he sits down on the sofa rubbing his temples. 

"Well that wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be," Bobby says taking a seat across from him. 

"No it wasn't, thankfully no one tried to be a smart ass and still ask a personal question."

"Well, I do have a question for you?" Bobby asks fidgeting with his tie. 

"What?" Jack asks looking at him.

"What is your and Jackie's relationship status? Have you made any more progress on winning her back?"

"No, not really, this is harder than I thought it was going to be. One moment it seems like I may have broken down the wall just a little, then it's like I've made no progress at all," he replies scrubbing a hand over his face.

"What did you expect Jack? She's had enough heartbreak and is trying to keep herself from getting hurt by you again. Besides your womanizing isn't helping, what do you plan to do about that? You are trying to win her back and you are pursuing the highest office in the land are you about to let some meaningless flings cause you to lose everything?"

He lets out a sigh. Bobby is right, meaningless flings are not worth him losing a second chance at real love and reaching the apex of his career. 

"You're right Bobby. I have a lot of work to do, especially if I want Jackie to see that it will be different this time.