Love for a Lifetime

Chapter 1

   Jacqueline Bouvier walked toward the Kennedy compound. She was twelve years old and she was going to go play with Bobby and Teddy Kennedy. Bobby was fifteen and Teddy was nine. Ever since Janet Bouvier and her daughters had moved to Hyannis Port, Jackie had become friends with Bobby and Teddy. Lee, on the other hand, thought the Kennedy boys were heathens as did Janet. Jackie didn't though. She even thought Bobby was kind of cute. As Jackie walked over, she sighed. She missed her father. Her mother had refused to let her and Lee see him. Mr. Kennedy had become a father figure to Jackie over the few months they had lived there. Jackie finally arrived at the compound and knocked on the door, "Jacqueline, sweetheart, it's wonderful to see you," Mrs. Kennedy smiled opening the door.
   "Hello, Mrs. Kennedy. It's lovely to see you too."
   "How's your mother doing?"
   "She's very well; thank you."
   "Well, Bobby and Teddy were just getting ready to head to the beach. Did you bring your swim clothes?"
   "Yes, Mrs. Kennedy. I have them on underneath my clothes."
   "Isn't that a neat idea! Bobby! Teddy! Jacqueline's here!"
   Bobby and Teddy came bounding down the stairs like two bulls in a china shop. Mrs. Kennedy shook her head and then gave Jacqueline a smile, "Be back when you hear me calling. Jacqueline, we're having a dinner to send Jack and Joe off to the military. I expect you'll be staying with us for dinner. I've been making it all day."
   "Absolutely, my mother isn't expecting me home until dark."
   "That's perfect," Mrs. Kennedy said patting Jackie's shoulder.
   Bobby, Teddy, and Jackie then ran down to the small beach at Hyannis Port and when their feet hit the sand the boys ripped off their tees and Jackie took off her romper to reveal a one piece polka dot swim suit. "Jackie!" Teddy said.
   "What, Teddy?"
   "You look pretty."
   "Oh, quit drooling, doofus!" Bobby said smacking Teddy on the side of the head.
   Jackie covered her mouth with her hand as to not let a giggle escape. Jackie and Bobby went into the water while Teddy stood on the sand, "Is it cold?"
   "Teddy, quit being a baby!" Jackie called, "It's fine!"
   "Whatever," Bobby said as he and Jackie walked deeper into the water. Finally, after realizing that he didn't like standing on the beach by himself, he entered the water.
   After splashing around and relaxing in the water, they heard Mrs. Kennedy calling for them. Bobby groaned, "Why do we have to have this damn dinner for Jack and Joe anyhow?"
   "Bob, you're not supposed to curse," Teddy said.
   "Well, are you going to tell on me?"
   "No," Teddy muttered.
   "Then who the hell cares!" Bobby exclaimed.
   The three of them walked up to the house together after drying off with their towels and then putting their regular clothes back on. As they walked to the house, Mrs. Kennedy's voice called out, "Dinner's going to get cold!"
   "We're coming, Mom!" Bobby returned.
   "What's for dinner?" Jackie asked.
   "Oh, probably Joe's favorite. Mr. Golden Boy," Bobby said tersely.
   "Oh," Jackie said quietly realizing that she had struck a nerve.
   "Sorry," Bobby said, "I shouldn't have got short with you. It's just irritating. That's all."