1966

Chapter 37

August 2014

Jack and Jackie's house

Hyannis Port

Master bedroom

The next morning, Jackie was up early. She soaked herself in a bath before letting her hair dry naturally as not to wake Jack. However he heard the water running and was already awake. He got up not long after Jackie had put on her black blouse and the skirt of the Givenchy suit.

Living Room

Jackie was sitting in silence on the sofa reading Life magazine until she felt arms wrap themselves around her and someone kissing her head. She looked up and giggled with a grin when she saw Jack. "Good morning my darling" Jack joked. He kissed her again. "Good morning my love" Jackie kissed him again.

She felt him rubbing her bump. He was so happy she was carrying his children. He sat down beside her and he hugged her. She patted his arm. "You need to get dressed, we are expected at the Main House in half an hour" Jackie smiled. Jack headed upstairs and into his room to get dressed. Jackie however headed into the children's rooms.

Caroline's bedroom

Early that morning, John-John had came into Caroline's room, desperate to speak to his big sister. Jackie was surprised to see John-John in Caroline's bedroom when she entered but she bent down. Caroline wouldn't tell her brother anything so he decided to ask Jackie instead.

"Mommy, what is the whole point of today?" John asked his mother. Jackie sighed. She and Jack had never told John about Joe as they thought he was too young. Jackie took his hand. She led him to the living room and Caroline followed. She took a photo album and opened it at a page with his photo in it.

Living Room

It was the photograph of Joe and Jack in their military uniforms. John pointed at the man seated next to his instantly recognizable father. "That's your uncle Joe" Jackie smiled. "I don't have an uncle Joe" John said with a frown. "Well,he was daddy's brother. His older brother. The whole point of today is a memorial service" Jackie explained. John looked confused.

She told him how he was killed in the war and that Joe Sr was devoted to him. John understood then. He and Caroline dashed upstairs to get into their matching, pastal blue coats for the service.

Main House

Foyer

When the First Couple entered the house, Jack rushed to Bobby and Teddy and hugged his brothers. He sobbed. Bobby cried a little bit. Jack cried the most, he knew Joe better than them. 

Front lawn

The bulb of the bulky camera, in the arms of Jack and Jackie's photographer took an amazing shot of the First Couple walking hand in hand, followed by their children, down the steps onto the lawn. 

Down on the lawn, at 11am there was a two minute silent and then a bell rang to signify the end of the silence. Jack and Jackie were in the second row, behind Rose and Joe at the front. 

During the prayers and the holy hymns, Rose had comissioned, much to Joe Sr's anger; Jack felt around for Jackie's hand. When he felt it, he grabbed it. She slowly turned and looked at him with a smile she was able to cover. They held hands, never wanting to seperate them. For Jack, Jackie was his only source of happiness.