The Ups and Downs of Being President

Chapter 2

Air Force One

London

7:45pm

Jack and Jackie were still sitting together when the plane landed. “Are you okay?”

“I’ll be fine; I just want to get to your sisters.”

Jackie nodded and stood up. She helped Jack to his feet and sorted his suit. “There, now you look like my handsome husband.”

He smiled before placing a kiss on her lips. They were standing when there was a knock on the door. “We’re ready for you Mr President.”

“Coming.”

As they walked out into the wet London air, Jack relaxed a little when he saw Lee.

After the welcoming ceremony they were ushered to the car. Jack sighed as his back hit the seat. He was silent and rather pale.

When they got to the Radziwill’s Lee guided them in. “I’m really sorry Lee but I need to go to bed.” Jack said once the door was closed.

“Its fine Jack, I understand you’ve had a hard week.”

Jack smiled before heading slowly up the stairs.

Once he was in their room he pulled his suit jacket and tie off. He changed into his pyjamas and sat down on the bed. He was sitting in the dim light holding his back when the door creaked open. “I brought you a heat pad bunny.”

“Thank you kid.”

Jackie pulled back the duvet and helped him lie down. “You’ll feel better tomorrow.” Jackie whispered stroking his face.

“I hope so.”

“Don’t worry about Khrushchev or anything, think about the kids.”

Jack smiled. “I’ll think about you.”

She kissed him. “Sleep tight I’ll see you when I come up.”

“Night Jackie.”

“Night.”

Once his wife had left, Jack put the light off and fell quickly asleep.

Downstairs Jackie was sitting with a glass of wine. “Is Jack alright?”

“His back’s playing up and then he’s tired and stressed. Khrushchev was just such a bully.”

“He looks ill.”

“He’ll get better after a decent night’s sleep.”

“At least he can sleep in. Is it eleven he’s meeting the Prime Minister?”

“Yes.”

After 10pm Jackie made her way upstairs. She changed silently and crawled in beside him. He was snoring soundly. Jackie giggled before snuggling in.