The Internship

The Big Boys

We walked down a different hall than we had entered the room through. Our group walked for awhile in silence. I thought about how weird it would be to meet the actual president. And how Katherin would post all over about it. Gosh. I can't stand her sometimes. We came to a stop and walked into a room which was on the left side of the hallway. The short man held open the door and motioned us in. We entered hesitantly and saw ten people standing as if they were waiting for us, which they probably were. Three women stood along with 7 men. There were 5 boys in the program and 5 girls. I hoped I wouldn't be partnered with a man, I tended to get along better with women. 

"These are the congress people you will be matched with," He motioned to them. "In the survey you all filled out you stated your beliefs and we matched you up with the person with the most similar views." We all knew this of course. "Now here's who's who." He introduced all of them and the states for which they represented. I didn't pay much attention because I knew I wouldn't remember them. He then proceeded to match us up with our congress members. I was one of the last to be matched. The person I was matched up with was tall and young. He had short brown hair and was wearing a navy blue suit with a red tie. 

"I'm Kenneth Starr," He held out his hand and shook mine. "I presume that you're Gracelyn?" I nodded. 

"I just go by Lyn." I told him, trying to keep eye contact.  

"Can I call you Grace?" I shrugged.

"No one's ever called me that before. I guess that's fine, but don't be surprised when people call me Lyn. It might take awhile to get used to. But it should be ok." I thought for a bit. "Yeah, it's good."

"Nice. That's the kind of attitude I like." He smiled at me. "So Grace, my office is in the East wing on the second floor." He write down his office number for me on a piece of paper. "And I'm going to need your phone number in case of emergencies." He handed me his phone and I did as he said and put my number in his phone. "Alright. Well, I look forward to working with you. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day, have fun meeting the president. You'll have to tell me about it tomorrow." He patted my back. "See ya kid."

I smiled and waved as he walked off. Katherine appeared behind me.

"Dang, I thought for sure that I'd get the hot one... Oh well, he'll like me anyways." I jumped back because she scared me. 

"What?" I asked sounding annoyed and slightly confused. 

"You heard me." She responded. I did but still. What a stupid thing for her to say. Acting like it was my fault I got someone who she found attractive. 

I tried walking away, but she followed closely. "Anyways..." She tried to keep up the conversation. For once she could tell I was annoyed. "Aren't you excited to meet the cabinet members." 

"Yeah, I guess. I don't even know who they are so I'm more excited for the President and First Lady I think." Katherine sighed. I prepared myself for her to say something annoying. 

"Of course you don't. People like you don't know any of these people." She tossed her hair behind her shoulder like she was better or something. 

A loud voice hollered from across the room. "Come on gang, time to meet the cabinet."

I was surprised, a whole new cabinet. I thought it would take a long time for the president to assemble a cabinet. But she got it done so quickly. I hoped good people were in place. She used to be in the cabinet. I knew that. As I kept thinking, Katherine walked close to me and I grew more and more annoyed. We finally arrived after what seemed like 20 minutes of walking. 

Once again the cabinet members were all sitting at their positions ready to talk to us. I had no idea who any of them are, and I zoned out for most of the time. I thought about what I needed at the store, chips, sandwich supplies, frozen pizzas, cookies. The list got longer and I had trouble remembering much of it. I had an awful memory when it came to lists. After nearly an hour, this meeting concluded and we all got up. These guys sure liked to talk. I wasn't sure what about, but they did talk a lot. 

I got nervous now. Finally the time is here. I get to meet the president. The actual president. Possibly the most influential person in the world. I was so excited I didn't hear Katherine blabbing behind me. 

Once again we followed the man and he lead us to another room. Katherine talked the whole time but I paid no attention. I just thought about what I would say. I couldn't sound too casual. This is such a huge honor. I wasn't sure how I could address her at all. 'What's up Mrs. President?' Would be horrible. We all know she's just chillin' in Cedar Rapids. But if I said 'Nice to meet you." That wouldn't stand out. What was I supposed to say?

We got onto a bus which had very high security surrounding it. The drive was extremely short and we reached the White House quickly. I wasn't sure if it was actually due to the short length or because I wasn't paying attention. Katherine stopped talking at this point, thank god. 

We got off the bus quickly, everyone clearly excited. We entered through the back gate of the White House. Before we came in, many metal detectors and pat downs were gone through. We would have to do this any time we would come here. Despite being in this elite program, none of us could be trusted one hundred percent. Once all inspections were done and bags were left at the counter, we made our way to the Oval Office. I could hardly breathe, Hillary was one of my idols. It seemed like a dream. I can't believe I would be meeting her. 

The White House was such an amazing thing to see, nothing like I had imagined. It was such a long walk to the Oval Office from the side we entered on. In just a few minutes I was going to meet the woman herself. We finally made it to the doors. Four security guards protected the doors, all looked extremely angry and opened the doors for us. There she was. Right in front of me.