Senator

Chapter 14

"Let's go inside!" Joseph said. They walked through the halls of the house until they got to the living room. All the remaining Kennedy's stood around the room. They all greeted Natalie, and since they already knew each other, it wasn't so awkward. Jack's younger sisters Eunice, Patricia, and Jean all hugged Natalie and were cooly nice. Bobby and Ted, Jack's younger brothers also greeted Natalie. Bobby's wife Ethel, who happened to be pregnant was pleased to meet Natalie, as she had heard a lot about her.

Boy, these Kennedy's are all made from the same clay... the hair, the teeth, the tongues- Natalie thought to herself. "Well, it looks like the photographers are ready for the shoot!" Jack's father interrupted her thoughts. "Good choice of clothing." Rose said to Natalie. "Why thank you!" Natalie replied.

They went out to the porch and prepared for the photo shoot. The photographers explained how they wanted to take pictures of the "couple" sailing, playing tennis, etc... On the water, Natalie couldn't help but look at Jack, in a different way than usual. Out there, in the sun, he was different. His certain look, his little grin, and his playful chuckle. All of which Natalie noticed just in that moment. The photographers finished taking the final shots and one of them walked up to Natalie and handed her a business card saying, "You two are really photogenic! If you ever need a photographer here's my contact.". "Thank you." Natalie replied.

While making their way back inside Rose looped her arm through Natalies and sat down on the porch swing. Jack and his father were so caught up in the fascinating topic of politics that they didn't even notice the two of them were still outside.

"I lost two of my children to plane crashes, and one is now institutionalized because of a failed lobotomy." Rose stated without preamble. "Jack is our golden boy, as his father likes to call him. He is all of our hopes and dreams for our family. He needs a woman who will guide him and keep him from burning out... are you that woman, Natalie?". Although she knew she couldn't answer that question completely honestly, Natalie said, "I hope I am."

"As you know, Jack is a very sickly man. Even though he has so many pains, he hides it very well, and will never tell you when something is hurting him. He is lucky to be alive, that boy. But I want you to promise me that you will try your best to take care of him, even if he doesn't want your help. He is too stoic, but he needs help more often than he knows it." Rose said. Alas Natalie didn't know about how Jack was plagued with illnesses and pain, but still she said, "I promise." and squeezed Rose's hand. "Thank you, Natalie." she replied. Rose got up to join the rest of the family. Even though their relationship wasn't based on love, Natalie meant that promise she made to Rose. She knew that even though she was marrying Jack as an arrangement, she would still try her best to take care of him.