The Distance Between Us

Chapter 13

3pm

The American Embassy, the residence

Berlin

Once they got back to the residence Jack sat down on the sofa and loosened his tie. “Are you alright Bunny?” Jackie asked sitting down beside him.

He nodded. “My back’s sore.”

Jackie nodded and rubbed it. He moaned slightly before getting up. Jackie watched him as he walked out onto the private balcony. He was leaning against the wall looking out at the view. She saw him do something he hadn’t seen in a while. He lit a cigar and smoked it. Both of them when they found out Jackie was pregnant had stopped smoking, Jackie had never started again after the miscarriage. She slipped out of her shoes and went up to him.

“Jack what’s wrong?”

He broke down in tears. Jackie hugged him. “How can they kill innocent children when we can’t even have a baby?”

Jackie nodded and rested her head against his chest. “I know Bunny.”

Jack’s tears were rolling down his cheeks on to Jackie’s head. She rubbed his back. They were still standing there when Kenny came in. When he saw the First Couple standing in each other’s arm clearly upset he backed out of the room.

“Jackie…..I don’t know what to say to Khrushchev tomorrow. I can’t exactly tell him to take down the wall because he won’t. He’s a stubborn ass.” Jack said drying his eyes.

Jackie leaned her body against his and looked directly into his eyes. “Bunny you’ll be fine, you’ll tell him to take down the damn wall or face the threat of war.”

Jack smiled slightly. “I don’t want to go to war Jackie.”

She giggled. “I was joking.”

He laughed. “I know.” He held her tightly and watched as the sun disappeared behind a cloud.

Tuesday 2nd February 1965

The American Embassy, Berlin

The Residence

Jack was standing in the bedroom fixing his tie when Kenny knocked on the door. “Khrushchev will be here in fifteen minutes hurry up.”

“I’m coming.” Jack replied. Jackie smiled when she came in from the bathroom. “I think you should let me do that.”

Jack smiled and let her adjust his tie. “Now stay calm and you’ll be fine.” Jackie whispered.

“Thank you.”

Jackie stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him. He pulled back and smiled. “I’ll try and enjoy my diplomatic lunch with Mrs Khrushchev.” Jackie teased.

“Swap you!” Jack called as he left the room.

10am

Jack was standing beside Pierre, Kenny and Robert McNamara waiting on Khrushchev to arrive. “You alright Bob?” Jack asked turning to look at Robert.

“Fine Sir you?”

“Dreading today.” Jack laughed.

“I think we all are don’t worry.” Robert smiled.

Suddenly four big black cars pulled up. Khrushchev got out first. The press were there in force. Jack smiled as he walked down the steps to shake the Chairman’s hand. “Mr President.” Khrushchev smiled.

“Mr Chairman great to see you again.”

As they walked inside both men were guided to the grand sitting room. This was going to be a long day for everyone.