The Winter of 63

Chapter 32

The Hotel

Bobby and Ethel’s Room

Ethel had just gone to bed but Bobby was sitting up reading when there was a loud pounding on the door. When Bobby unlocked it Kenny came rushing in. “Whoa Kenny slow down.”

“Jack and Jackie have gone to the hospital.”

Bobby froze. “Why?”

“I…I don’t know.” Kenny panted.

“I’ll go wait outside his room, you get some sleep.” Bobby said as he pulled a jumper on.

Kenny nodded and left.

Boston Hospital

1am

Jack and Jackie were just leaving; it had taken ages for Dr French to update Dr Travell on the First Lady’s condition.

“Are you okay?” Jack asked as they got in the car.

“Yeah…..Tired.”

“You can sleep late tomorrow I promise.”

“Thanks.”

When they got back to the hotel they went up to their room. Jackie looked shattered as did Jack; Bobby thought when he saw them. “Oh my God what happened?”

“Calm down Bobby I’ll tell you in a minute.” Jack replied as he unlocked the door. “I’m going to talk to Bobby will you be okay?”

“Of course bunny, I’m going to sleep.”

Jack nodded. “I’ll see you when I get up.”

“Ok.” Jackie replied as she started to change.

Jack guided his brother out into the corridor. “I need a drink.”

“Jack?”

“I need a drink Bobby.” Jack hissed as they headed downstairs.

“What happened?”

“What happened?” Jack exclaimed. “Jackie’s pregnant.”

Bobby stopped. Jack turned and looked at him. “What are you doing? Hurry up.”

When Bobby caught up with him he started asking questions. “I thought you weren’t going to try?”

“We weren’t sometimes it just doesn’t work.”

“How far along is she?” Bobby asked quietly.

“Five months.”

“What?”

“She had no symptoms.” Jack replied.

“Ok….”

Once they got to the bar Jack ordered two beers and took them over to a table. “Oh Bobby I don’t think I could cope if we lost another baby.”

“You won’t lose it I promise.”

Jack sighed and took a sip of beer.

They were sitting in silence when a little girl appeared in front of him. “Mr President, could I have your autograph?” She asked sweetly.

“Sure sweetie.” Jack said lifting her on to his knee. “What’s your name?”

“Ellie.”

Jack smiled as he wrote it. “Do you know who this is?” Jack asked pointing to Bobby.

“It’s your brother.”

Jack nodded. “What are you doing up so late?”

“We just arrived from Florida.” The girls mum said.

Jack nodded. Bobby was busy signing his name.

“Thank you for doing that Mr President.” The mum said.

“It’s fine honestly.” Jack said.

Ellie smiled before skipping off.

“See you’re a natural.” Bobby teased.

“Oh shut up.”

Bobby grinned.

“Can you do me a favour?”

“Sure.”

“Can you cancel my morning schedule?”

Bobby nodded.

“Thanks.”