POWER

Chapter Fifteen

''Before we officially state your candidacy, I need to assure you're serious about running, I need to make sure you're in this to win.''

'' Jason, I wouldn't be here if I wasn't.''

''Good. Then we need to announce. And soon. Tamara did over a week ago, and yes I know you needed a break but this is politics and even a day is like a year. From here on out, things are going to be moving quickly.''

It was time for Faith to make a public announcement, declaring her presidential candidacy. Their campaign needed to start straight away, it was clear the opponents had started. This public appearance needed to be planned very specifically and very quickly.

''Your husband needs to be standing with you as you enter, preferably holding hands with your children following you both. We then have the State's Governor introducing you and he's also announcing his endorsement for you. Which is great to be honest, you need the publicity. All that's left is what you're going to say. I've hired you a political assistant to...'

'' I have Leslie. She's not negotiable.''

'' Listen, I've met her and she's a lovely young girl but you need someone more professional, someone trained.''

''She goes I go.''

Leslie came in for her full first day back working since her father's death, she was doing a lot better and knew Faith needed her. She came into the offices carrying folders, ready to assist Faith and her image portrayed that of a first year student – eager to impress. These two woman were very different what with the massive age difference and complete different lifestyles but their beliefs and attitudes were both very similar.

''Faith is your announcement ready?'' This election was Jason's first campaign for the spot in the White House and he was desperate to get into it properly.

'' Yes Jason it is.'' She had spent three hours writing a five-minute declaration with Leslie's help and she was just finishing up.

''Good. You're announcing in two hours.''

''Two... two hours? Jason you said we had two days.''

''Yes but there has been about five of them top political blogs trending the topic of how your political career as come to such a sudden holt and how your political instincts could have just been you over-reacting to empty-nest-syndrome. You know what with Kendall moving out and everything.''

The venue for Faith's statement was small yet the twenty reporters (who showed up to hear her speak first hand) made the room feel a lot bigger. It was like she was declaring her running for the SA's office all over again! The flashing cameras, the beady eyes of the intrigued reporters all hoping to get the best cover of the event, Faith's fingers trembling as her family followed her up on stage – it was the definition of deja vuh!

''I am here today running for President as representation of the Democratic society. This country has made much improvement but there is always room for more. We can't do this without all the states uniting. How can we be a democratic government if we don't listen to the voices of everyone? I am running for President of the great United States of America. Thank you.''

She was brief but she was certain and certainty and clarity was important, particularly to the voters. It showed confidence.

The night soon came and the campaign bus was ready for them to start travelling and more specifically gaining votes. First stop- Iowa.

Her tour bus was going to be Faith's home for the next two months. It was fully furnished with leather couches, tables and beds. It was perfect. Although Faith wasn't sure how perfect two months with fifteen campaign workers would be. Of course, Joseph and the girls would be travelling with them as well and Leslie. The first night on the bus was just the campaign workers, Faith and Kendall. Unfortunately, Joseph hadn't been granted time off work and it was time for Taylor's final exams, she's be going off to college soon!

''So, mother, how are you enjoying being States Attorney?'' Kendall was making the most of the buses coffee machine. She was still intrigued by the possibility of her mother's infidelity but it had also been a while since there had been conversation purely between the two of them.

''I like it. Actually I really like it. I missed practising the law or being involved in the cases anyway. But I'm a politician now and you know, the White House was always the end goal.''

''And you and dad?''

Faith stared at her daughter who stood and looked right back at her. There's no way she could have found out about Josh or at least that was what she thought at first.

''Taylor spoke to you?''

'' She, wait what?''

'' Taylor. She told you I had been seeing Josh?''

''You, you were sleeping with Josh?''

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