The Ups and Downs of Being President

Chapter 9

10:30pm

Jack’s Room

Jack had just got in to bed. He had a heat pad on his back and he’d taken his medicine.

He hadn’t shut the door fully so there was light coming in from the hall, he attempted to get up to close it but he fell back down. The pain was that bad that he started crying.

He was zoned out till he saw Chuck poke his head round the door. He tried to compose himself but as he attempted to sit up the pain got worse and he cried more. Chuck sat down on the bed and gently rubbed his friends back. They remained silent till Jack sat up.

“Please don’t tell anyone Chuck.” Jack pleaded.

“Jack, I’m your friend I’m not going to tell anyone.”

He nodded. “I can’t go on like this, the pains hell.”

“It’ll get better.”

Jack nodded. “Night Chuck.”

“Night.”

Jack quickly fell asleep.

9am

When Jack woke he got up and ruffled his hair. Chuck was sitting in the kitchen when he heard Jack coming downstairs on his crutches. When Jack got into the kitchen he stopped. “Morning, I’m going to sit out on the patio out of view of everyone.”

“Ok.”

Chuck watched as his friend limped out. He seemed to have aged so much since the Europe trip.

Once he was sure Jack was safely seated outside with Hugh, he went to the study and shut the door. He picked up the phone. “Hello this is Chuck Spalding could I possibly speak to Mrs Kennedy?”

“I’ll put you through.”

He soon heard Jackie’s breathy childish voice. “Hello Jack?”

“No Jackie, its Chuck.”

“Oh, is everything alright?” Jackie asked.

“Well it depends what you mean by alright….”

“Chuck?”

“Jack’s really suffering, he can barely walk and I found him crying last night. He then admitted he missed you.”

“Oh…..”

The line went silent for a few moments. “Jackie? Are you still there?”

“Yeah I am. Don’t tell him but I’m coming home.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I want too.”

“Ok, see you soon.” Chuck replied.

Jackie hung up.

8pm

Jack was still in his pyjamas and sitting outside. He was listening dimly to Frank Sinatra and drinking a beer.

“Do you fancy coming to watch me and Hugh play golf tomorrow?” Chuck asked.

“No you’re alright I’d rather just stay here.”

Chuck nodded and headed back into the house. He was worried about his friend.