Secrets of the West Wing

Chapter 7 - Mother Night

September 2025

"But that doesn't change anything."

With renewed vigor, the tears swam down my cheeks.  Emily raised her hand as if to wipe them for me, but it fell limply between us.

I looked at my feet, giving her one last chance to tell me never mind - that no it wasn't just me and she was sorry to make me wait like this.  I nearly told her just how difficult the last two months had been, but I had embarrassed myself enough.  I turned and retreated back to my room, leaving Emily behind.  I thought it might be more satisfying to be the one walking away, but it wasn't.  Especially knowing I wasn't really walking away; she was sending me away.

I collapsed on my bed, the tears soaking into my pillow.  I hoped tonight would be the night that I would cry so hard I'd finally exhaust myself and slip into a deep sleep.  My mind, of course would not allow that to happen.  It did, however, succeed in replacing the images of the wreckage of Telavi with the crestfallen and uneasy expression on Emily's face.

Enough.  I was sick of crying over her.  My mind narrowly focused on one thought: I've got to get out of here.  Months of attempting to exclude Green from my nighttime ventures and explorations prepared me for this moment.  I needed to be alone now more than ever.  And not alone, secluded in my room.  This room was stifling.  I went to the bathroom to fix my makeup.   No need to walk around the White House with mascara tracks down my face.

Washing my face allowed me to calm down enough to put my plan into action.  I took a quick drink of water to clear my throat and rallied.  Step 1: get Green to leave his post at the door.  I picked up my phone, trying to contain the evil grin on my face - I couldn't risk allowing mischief to leak into my voice.  I clicked on his name in my phone and called him.

"Madam President," he answered formally.

"Agent Green?" I asked, trying my best to sound like a lost child.

"What can I do for you, ma'am?"

"Don't be mad," I started.

"Uh, alright."  He sounded uneasy.

"I wasn't going to say anything because I know you and Emily will kill me, but I snuck out but I got lost and I have no idea where I am and I thought I heard a noise and I don't know I just got scared," I rushed out in one breath.

"I thought you were in the residence, ma'am," he said, panic raising the pitch of his voice.

"No..." I tried to sound nervous.

I thought I heard a muffled "Fuck," and then furious whispers to whoever was posted at the door with him.  "Where are you, ma'am??" he asked, urgently.

"I'm somewhere in the East Wing.  I think.  I'm sorry.  I never come over here.  I'm so lost."  Yeah right.  I rolled my eyes.  I can't believe he's buying this; he knows better than anyone how frequently I roam these halls.  He was the one always trailing behind me.

"Don't move," he stressed.  "I'm on my way."

I slipped into some slides and peeked my head out the front door.  I was in the clear - I can't believe that worked.  Since I had just sent him to the East Wing, I'd have to make my way outside through the door near the Oval Office.  The freedom of being able to take a walk outside knowing no one was watching me was liberating.  Like a caged bird, I was finally free to spread my wings.

I strolled around the garden for a few minutes, reveling in my escape from lockdown.  The flowers' scent permeated the summer night air.  It was lovely, but as always, thoughts of Emily encroached in my mental space yet again.  I sat down on the ground, back resting against a bench.  Hopefully if I wasn't on the bench, I could conceal myself for a bit longer.  The adrenaline of finally sneaking out successfully was rapidly dissipating.  A tear crept down my cheek.