The Distance Between Us

Chapter 5

Jack’s Room

When Jack reached his room Jackie was lying on his bed in his shirt. Jack smiled. “Can I help you with something?” Jack asked.

She giggled and patted the bed. Jack took his shirt and jacket off and lay down. Jackie kissed him. She started rubbing his leg when he pulled back. “Kid…”

“Jack bunny what’s wrong?” Jackie asked as she watched him sit up.

“Nothing….I just don’t feel ready to…”

Jackie rubbed his back. “Jack I understand it’s okay.”

He nodded and held her close. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Jackie smiled.

Jackie went into her room to change. She slipped into a long black evening gown with lace sleeves before adding elbow length crystal white gloves. She was standing fixing her dress and hair in the mirror when she felt a pair of arms wrap round her. “Hello Mr President.” Jackie giggled.

“I want to thank you for understanding about earlier.” Jack whispered as he kissed her neck.

“It’s okay bunny I know it’s hard and that we’re both struggling but we have to get through it.”

Jack nodded. “I know but I’m so scared it could happen again and just with Patrick and then Dallas and the miscarriage it scares me.”

“I know bunny it scares me too but as long as we have each other we’ll be okay.” Jackie whispered rubbing his back.

He kissed her. “You look beautiful in this dress.”

She blushed. “Thank you.”

They were standing gazing into each other’s eyes when there was a knock at the door. “Yeah?” Jack asked turning round.

Bobby poked his head in. “Whoa Jackie you look stunning.” Bobby exclaimed.

She blushed. “Eyes of Bobby she’s mine, your wife just had a child.” Jack said sternly.

Bobby laughed. “Yes she did and Max is beautiful and the reason she isn’t here tonight.”

Jack nodded. “Did you want something?”

“Oh yes, the families gathered in the red room they’re waiting for you.”

“We’ll be there.”

Bobby smiled and left.

“Are you ready kid?” Jack asked taking her arm.

“Of course Mr President.

The Red Room

7pm

When Jack and Jackie walked in there was a loud applause. Bobby handed them a glass of Champaign. “Thank you all for helping with the campaign and especially the support you have given Jackie and I over the last few months. I propose a toast to the next four years.” Jack said smiling.

“Cheers.” Everyone echoed. They all began mingling.

Jackie stood by herself watching when she felt a hand on her arm. She turned to find Joan. “Are you okay?” Joan asked.

“Fine.” Jackie sighed.

“Jackie?”

“It doesn’t matter. Jack and I are just sad that’s all.”

“I understand.” Joan said as she hugged her sister in law.

Jack came over. “Everything alright ladies?”

Joan nodded and left. Jackie smiled and put her arm round him. “I’m fine bunny.”

“Good.”