A Presidential Affair

Ch. 16 - War

JANUARY 14: SAFE HOUSE: YVETTE CLAXTON

Never in a million years would take twists and turns to be where it is today. Just a few weeks ago I was living my fairy tale life.

A wonderful husband I was madly in love with, two gorgeous baby girls that own my heart and, being the first lady of the United States of America.

How quickly things become odious when people are met by temptation.

Temptation can be many things. It can be a piece of chocolate cake, it can be that one beer that led to too many, or for a man it can be a woman.

My thoughts on Andrew haven't changed. I'm deeply hurt and still cannot fathom that the man I've known for such a large portion of my life would succumb to temptation so easily.

To say I feel betrayed is an understatement, to say I feel broken is an understatement, to even say I'm lost is an understatement. 

It's true that you can't ever truly fix a broken heart, you can fill the holes with temporary things but in the end you'll never be the same person you were before it was broken.

You build walls and see things in a more negative light.

With all of that set aside...Andrew isn't the one that hurt me most. It's Ophelia Rocklin. Yes, she ruined my marriage but even more than that, she's taken my baby girls. 

We're lucky that we got Aria back but Arielle is still out there. My precious sweet darling angel face. 

Being a mother has made me see everything differently. Suddenly, you worry about everything. You worry about things like sunburn, radiation, sharp edges, allergic reactions, too much love, too little love,  education, getting a well paying job. You want a spacious house with a great backyard and lovely schools around. 

Everything reminds you of your child, every color, sound, and beautiful image makes you think of your child. 

My worst nightmare has always been losing my baby girls. Now that nightmare has become a harsh reality and I know I'm not handling it well.

I can feel anxiety running through my veins as if it's another entity entirely. Sadly, I can't trust my husband with all of these thoughts because frankly, I'm just in pain every time I even hear him breathe.

My deep thoughts are interrupted when I hear a knock at the door. I had been in the study just thinking for the past few hours after putting down Aria for a nap.

I smoothed out the crinkles in my dress as I opened the door.

"Oh. Hi Gentry. I'm surprised to see you here." He nodded softly. I could tell something was bothering him deeply.

"Come in." I gestured for him to enter and he did, slowly, carefully. He walked as if he was holding the entire weight of the world on his shoulders.

"What's wrong, Gentry?" He melted into the small sofa in the study and placed his hands over his face. His shoulders began to lift up and down as he cried.

I walked over and sat down next to him and caressed his shoulders. "I'm so sorry for whatever it is going on. Do you want to talk about it?"

"My ex-fiancee passed away today. I know things ended badly between her and I but, I'm still upset. It was such an awful scene. It's been an awful day and, Arielle is still missing. I have no leads yet and-"

His voice cut off as he cried more. I felt awful for him.

"Gentry, I'm so sorry you've had such an awful, stressful day. I can't even express my gratitude for you though. You've been such an amazing protector. You've been an even better friend."