The Winter of 63

Chapter 5

Friday 22nd November1963

Air Force One

Jackie was sitting staring out the window; she had her hands resting on her stomach. Jack was watching her carefully she didn’t seem herself.

“Jackie?” Jack asked sitting down next to her.

“Yes bunny?”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

Jack nodded.

When the plane landed at Love Field Jack and Jackie emerged in the Texas sunlight. Jackie walked down the steps first, she was handed a beautiful bouquet of red roses. “Let’s go to the rope line.” Jack said taking her hand.

“Ok.”

After a few minutes they went to the limousine with the Connelly’s. The limousine soon left, to head for the Dallas Trade Market.

The car trailed slowly along the quiet highways which weren’t lined with many people. Jack glanced over at his wife; she was really pale and had her hands against her stomach. “Jackie?” Jack asked placing his hand on her shoulder.

When she turned round he got a fright she had tears in her eyes. “Oh my God Jack the pain’s unbearable.”

“Jackie? What pain? What are you talking about?”

“I have severe pains in my stomach.” Jackie wailed.

Jack froze. “Since when?”

“This morning but they’ve got stronger.”

“Everything’s going to be okay.” Jack whispered pulling her into him. She had her head rested against his chest. She was sobbing audibly. The Connelly’s had turned round to find out what was wrong. “Jack.” Jackie cried.

“ROY!” Jack shouted.

Roy turned round and saw the First Lady leaning against the President. “Come here.” Jack exclaimed. Roy jumped out of the car and climbed on to the back of the trunk. “What’s wrong?”

Jack motioned Roy to come closer. “We need to go to a hospital now.”

“Why?”

“Jackie’s experiencing severe pain in her stomach.”

“Ok, we’ll stop the car and get the Connelly’s in the car with the VP.”

“Jack…..I can’t lose this.” Jackie sobbed.

Jack rubbed her back. Roy looked confused. Jack looked up at the concerned agent. “Jackie’s seven weeks pregnant.”