The Ups and Downs of Being President

Chapter 8

Thursday 8th June 1961

Air Force One

4pm

Jack was sitting in a seat with the window shutter shut beside him. He was still in his suit but he had taken his tie off and was cuddled under a blanket. He was snoring lightly when he felt someone sit down beside him. He woke to find Hugh. “Are you alright Mr President?”

“Please don’t call me that.”

Hugh nodded and remained silent as Jack went back to sleep.

At half five when the plane landed he fixed his hair and slowly got to his feet with his crutches. As he made his way down the steps the press were there in full force. He ignored them and got in the car with Hugh. Chuck was meeting them at the Wrightsman house where they were staying.

When the car pulled up in the drive he got out and made his way to the door. Chuck was already waiting. “Hey Jack how are you?” Chuck exclaimed as he hugged his mate.

“Could be better.”

“Well we’ll have you better in no time.”

Jack nodded and made his way in. “I’m going up to my room.”

When he reached his bedroom which had the en-suite he went in and closed the door. Dr Travell would be coming every day to treat his back.

He changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. He put his back brace on top before going downstairs. He found Chuck sitting out on the patio. Hugh was in the pool.

“Have you heard from Jackie?” Chuck asked.

“Yeah, she’s fine.”

“Do you miss her?”

Jack nodded.

He soon stretched out on the lounger trying to ease his back. He suddenly winched in pain. He moved his hand to the sore patch and gently massaged it. His life just seemed to be crumbling round about him.

“Jack?”

“What?”

“Would you like pizza for dinner?” Chuck asked.

“Sure.”

Chuck nodded and headed inside. Jack sighed and rolled on to his front.