Irene Fitzgerald Kennedy

The Family

   "So who do I need to look out for?"
   "What do you mean?" Jackie asked.
   "Who should I trust in Dad's family?"
   "Ah," Jackie smiled understanding, "Well, truth be told, Ethel and I don't particularly get along. I'm not sure how you'll fair with her, but Joansie will probably be sweet to you. Dad's sisters are all very strong women and very protective of him. You're going to do great, sweetie. You're a vision of your father."
   Irene hugged Jackie, "Thank you for everything."
   Jackie hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek, "Go charm the hell out of them."
   Irene walked down the stairs to meet her father. Jack was wearing a white button-up shirt and khakis. "You look amazing, Irene. Are you nervous?"
   "Very, but mum gave me some advice."
   "You'll be fine and I'll kick anybody's ass that gives you trouble."
   Irene smiled and then followed Jack out the door. They walked towards the Kennedy compound and Jack opened the door, "Ma!" Jack called, "We're here for dinner."
   "How are you, Jackie?" Rose asked coming down the stairs, "Who's this?"
   "Mom, this is Irene. She's my daughter."
   "Jack! How could you be so careless. A daughter out of wedlock! It just makes me sick!"
   "Mom, she will be staying with me now. Her mother hasn't ever wanted her and finally decided to ship her to me. Now, where's the rest of the family?"
   Jack pushed past his mother and led Irene into the family room, "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Irene. She's my daughter."
   "Have you gotten a DNA test, Jack?" Joe asked.
   "No and I don't know if I want to."
   "Why the hell not, Jack?" Joe shouted.
   "Look at us!" Jack yelled.
   Ethel and Joan stared at the two for a moment, "The resemblance is uncanny," Joan murmured, "The hair, the smile, the eyes. Everything."
   "I agree," Ethel said quietly, "She could be his twin."
   "I'm your Aunt Joan," Joan smiled walking up to her.
   After all of the outbursts, Irene burst into tears and hugged Joan quietly saying, "Thank you."
   Joan motioned behind Irene's back for Ted. Joan broke the hug with Irene, "Hi, Irene. I'm you're Uncle Ted," he smiled.   
   She looked up at him and hugged him, "Thank you," she hiccuped, "You don't know how scared I-."   
   "I can only imagine."