The Ups and Downs of Being President

Chapter 3

Jack and Jackie’s Bedroom

5th June 1961

7:30am

Jackie woke to the sound of a knock at the door. She rubbed her eyes and sat up. When she noticed Jack was still asleep she hurried to the door. When she opened it, Kenny stood. “Morning Jackie is Jack awake?”

“No, he’s still asleep.”

“Ok, I’ll come back later.”

Jackie nodded and closed the door. She crawled back into bed and wrapped her arm around her husband. He stirred slightly. “Go back to sleep bunny.”

“Hmmm.” Jack mumbled.

Jackie smiled as she closed her eyes. She knew he needed sleep.

When Jack woke it was just after eight. He groaned as he rolled on to his back. Jackie quickly woke up. “Morning bunny.”

“Morning kid.”

She kissed him quickly but felt his hands reaching for her tickly spot. “Behave yourself.”

“But….. You’re going to Greece for a week, I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too but for now we have work to do.”

Jack sighed and got up. He went into the en-suite for his bath.

Jackie was in their room laying her clothes out for the day, when Kenny and Dave walked in. “Is Jack in the bath?”

Jackie turned round somewhat angry that they just barged in. “Yes but take it easy on him, he’s tired.”

They nodded and continued in to the bathroom.

She suddenly heard Jack. “No get out I’m not in the mood.” She then saw Kenny and Dave leave. She silently slipped into the bathroom to find Jack holding his back. Gently she began massaging it, causing him to moan in pain.

“Would you like some help out?”

“Yeah.”

Jackie grabbed his arm and got him to his feet. She then wrapped the towel round his waist.

Once he was back in the bedroom Jackie helped him into his suit while he ate breakfast at the same time. Suddenly he sat down on the bed. “I love you Jackie.”

She was a little startled, Jack didn’t normally just say things like that but she smiled. “I love you too.”

He got to his feet and kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you later for lunch.”

Jackie nodded and headed into the bathroom.

10:30am

After Jack had visited the American Embassy he went to Admiralty House to meet with Harold Macmillan. Jack was exhausted and in excruciating pain but he wasn’t going to tell anyone.

As he walked in followed by his advisors and staff the Prime Minister was standing in the hall smiling. “Ah great to see you Mr President.” Macmillan called as he reached to shake Jack’s hand. “Nice to see you Mr Prime Minister.”

They paused for a moment just to look at each other before exchanging pleasantries. It was obvious to Macmillan that the young President was exhausted and tense.

“Mr President, why don’t we not have a formal conference meeting? Let’s go into the garden and talk by ourselves, our advisors can go up to the cabinet room and talk.” Macmillan said.

Jack breathed a sigh of relief. “That sounds great.” He took his notes of Kenny and followed the Prime Minister much to the shock of his advisors.

Once they were seated at a table round the back, it was quiet and peaceful. “Can I get you a drink?” Harold asked.

“I’d love a cup of tea.” Jack replied.

Harold smiled and told the butler to bring them a pot. “So do you remember me Jack from your youth?”

“Vaguely.” Jack admitted.

The Prime Minster smiled. “So what do you think of Mr Khrushchev?”

Jack took his notes out and began to talk. Oddly enough he felt at ease with his British counterpart, he knew it was the beginning of good relations.