The People's Candidate

"I was going to ask you what you of thought of her, but I have my answer." Genevieve plopped down at the foot of their living room couch. Malbec on the right. Cheese plate for two on the left.

"What? What are you talking about?" Therese looked up from her laptop. She was combing through the night's shots for what seemed the hundredth time. Part of her did it to make sure her final submission was perfect and the other part...

“You’ve had your mouth open for the last fifteen minutes that I’ve been sitting here. I’m pretty sure you forgot to swallow at one point!” She giggled and threw a piece of cheddar across the living room. 

“Have not!” Therese picked up the little cube that had fallen on her volume key.

 “Uh huh. After that speech. I mean she could be our president. And we’ll be right alongside her when it all goes down. Or should I say up?” Gen was starting to feel that Malbec. 

Therese tugged at her skirt. "She's different.” She swiveled her chair back towards her laptop and continued sifting through her photographs. Her eyes traced every line, every curve, any minute detail her subject had to offer. One shot in particular had struck her in such a profound way that she brought the image to full-screen. The candidate stood at the podium in the middle of a small makeshift stage nearly swallowed up by her sea of supporters. She was looking out into the crowd, head held high, the light behind her surrounding her in a halo-like glow. Carol Aird.

The click of a bedroom door snapped her back to reality. 2:00AM. The empty Malbec bottle sat squarely in the middle of the cheese plate. The sudden amplified tick tock of the living room clock brought with it a heaviness. Not an unfamiliar visitor. Therese shut her laptop and shuffled down the hallway towards her bedroom, shutting off all the lights. The heaviness made sure to follow too.

"Jeanette and the rest of them want to do a thing. You know just staff. At Billie's." Abby's smile said it all.

"Ha. I remember the last time you said that. We woke up on separate floors - of the hotel across the street!" Carol pulled out her best mom 'no and that's final' tone.

"Special circumstances." Abby waved the comment off.

"Jeanette ended up in the middle of a swinger party and didn't realize it until they asked her if her plus one didn't mind being a bottom."

"OH MY GOD THAT'S RIGHT!" Abby was momentarily stunned.

They stared off into the distance remembering that night...and broke into fits of laughter.

"God bless her." Carol managed to breathe out as the Suburban had reached the child pickup area.

"Great. Billie's it is. We'll have celebratory drinks and a gathering of the sacrificial lambs."

"Abigail."

"Carol."

"I just started my campaign last night. For president."

"Precisely! The best occasion to find you prospects - I mean, me. To find me prospects!"

Carol threw her empty water bottle at Abby just as her door opened.

"Mommy!" Rindy gasped at the unexpected surprise.

"There's my sweet girl!" Carol patted the space next to her as she slid across the black leather seats. She squeezed Rindy, kissing her forehead and brushing her bangs aside.

“BOO!”

“Aunt Abby! You’re here too?” Rindy sprang up from her seat and hugged her godmother, who had been hiding in the back seat.

“I sure am! Now, tell me about your day. How was school?” Abby moved up to where Carol and Rindy were sitting. 

“Gooood. We learned about space today!”

“You did!” Carol and Abby responded in unison. As Rindy continued the conversation, both women looked up at each other, realizing how strangely familiar it was to share everyday moments like these with one another…

By now the Suburban had cleared the security checkpoint and continued up the hill to the Governor’s mansion where over a 100 people eagerly awaited the candidate’s arrival.

He watched her from the third floor window. The little girl leading her mother by the hand. A woman whom he recognized as the State Attorney General was laughing at something Carol Aird had said.

“Will Gerhard be a problem?”

“Not if she knows what’s best for her – and for Carol.”

The man by the window, dressed in an ivory tux with black lapels and hair impeccably coiffed, finished his drink, set the glass on the mahogany escritoire to his left and came to a decision.

“Introductions. Tonight.”

“Naturally.” A sly grin played on Harge’s face, “I’m having Cy Harrison draw up the paperwork. She has to believe I’m playing by the rules. Can’t have her going off before we even get started. She doesn’t get to walk away scot-free. She doesn't get to make a fool out of me. I will take every last piece of her.”

“Now, now, Governor. Let’s not get riled up. You let me do my job and I assure you I will not disappoint. 

Harge loosened his collar. His face was flushed. Anger. Deep-seated anger seemed to be all he felt lately. Before, he had his governorship to distract him, his investments, a financial career to fill the void left by the woman he loved…loves. And that was it. At the root of it all he still loved Carol and it wounded him in a way he didn’t know a person could be hurt. It was an overwhelming crippling agony, knowing you had lost the love of your life, the woman you were supposed to spend the rest of your days with, the mother of your child. So he did what any desperate human being would do: he tried to cage her. Like grasping at a fog, she only slipped further and further away. So, his desperation turned to anger and he gave way to all that came from it.

“I’m counting on it Tucker.”

The instant the trio crossed the threshold into the reception hall they were met with a wall of applause. Sensing Carol's tension, Abby squeezed Carol's hand and led her to the center of the floor. 

A memorandum had gone out after her announcement. Those who wanted to stay and join her campaign were to meet at the mansion tonight. Contract and Non-Disclosure Agreement in hand. Eyes welled up with tears, she knew everyone from her PR firm had showed up. They smiled back expectantly. This was it. These were her people. The people that would stand by her on the treacherous journey that was campaigning for the presidency. 

“You don’t know what it means to me that you’re all here. I realize last night must’ve been quite the surprise,” an almost imperceptible flash of worry crossed her features, but she cleared her throat and kept the tide at bay, “please forgive me for keeping it from you for so long, but you know with a family and my,”

Click-click-click 

Therese had moved to the front of the crowd. She hadn’t missed the fleeting look on Carol’s face. So she held the candidate’s stare and gave what she thought was her most encouraging smile.

“My uh husband – well, in the end I realized there wasn’t much to figure out because I know I have my family’s unconditional support. And with all of you here I can see that I was right. Because you are all my family, each and every one of you,” Carol took a glass of the champagne that had been making its way around the room, “To you.”

Shimmering glasses all around rose in her honor. 

“To my wife, my future President!”

Click-click-click

Harge and a man Carol did not recognize had made their way down the marble staircase directly opposite her. She nodded in acknowledgement and swiftly tipped back the glass of Veuve Cliquot to empty.

She was raised with certain priorities. First and foremost: appearance is everything and you must appear to be flawless. The exterior could never belie whatever torment raged within. No matter the cost.

Click-Click-click

"Mrs. Aird?"

"Oh.” Carol glared at her husband and now at the voice next to her. “Excuse me?”

"I was just asking for a moment of your time, but if you're too busy -"

"Please, it's Carol, Ms. Belivet." She squeezed the young woman's hand.

Therese softened at Carol’s proximity.

“I just. I would like to have you by the fireplace. A picture I mean.” Therese raised her camera as if her words alone weren’t enough for Carol to understand.

“Of course. Lead the way, Ms. Belivet.” Carol gestured past Therese, simultaneously keeping track of Harge’s progress through the crowd as he inched his way toward her. Strange man in tow.

“Oh come on! Don’t do this, we talked about this – ugh.” Therese was muttering to herself in front of the fireplace. Carol had stopped in the middle of their pilgrimage to take a few pictures with coworkers (slash newly minted campaign staff) and for the ever-inviting champagne glasses that seemed to follow her around the room. Shaking her camera in an attempt to figure out why it kept shutting off unexpectedly, Therese hadn’t realized her subject had come up right behind her.

“Hitting it always works for me,” Carol grinned teasingly.

“What? Oh!” Therese blushed. “Mrs. Aird!”

“Carol.”

“Carol, I was just – you don’t have to worry. I definitely got the pictures of your toast! Thankfully it only just decided to act up now,” she looked down with a furrowed brow at her most prized possession.

“Hmm. I’m not worried. There’ll be plenty of opportunities for you to get my picture.”

Carol reached over to a passing champagne tray and grabbed two glasses.

“Now, if I’m not mistaken, Ms. Belivet, you owe me a toast,” Carol handed Therese a glass, making sure to brush the woman’s hand in the process. She was feeling confident after two glasses (or was it three?). “Seeing as you were busy capturing my earlier one?”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.”

Therese was under Carol’s spell. Just as she had done the night before – or this morning really – her eyes followed each slant and crook, line and crest of the woman before her. “If I can call you Carol, then you must call me Therese.” She didn’t actually care. Carol could’ve called her Dave and she’d still respond.

“To new beginnings,” Carol tipped her glass.

“To you, Carol Aird.”

Clink!

Just as Therese was about to butcher her way through an attempt at a suave remark, a brunette woman dressed in a canary yellow jumper strode up to them effectively cutting what could’ve been ‘a moment’ short.

“Carol! Darling! And Miss? I’m sorry I don’t believe we’ve met.” Abby looked the woman in question from head to toe. Lingering unabashedly over her cleavage. 

“Abby!” Carol swallowed. “This is Therese, Therese Belivet our new photographer.”

“Pleasure. I'm Abby.” Abby shook Therese’s hand. “State Attorney General, best friend to this one, and in some circles a gift to womankind,” she winked – punctuating each title with a vigorous shake of Therese’s hand.

“And by circles she means herself.” Carol eyed Abby's still ongoing handshake. 

“Then it must be true.” Therese smirked at Carol’s knee-jerk look of disbelief.

“See, I like this one. Are you busy tonight, Therese?” Abby picked some imaginary lint off of Therese’s dress.

“Abigail.” 

“Carol, I think Therese would be a lovely addition to the group! Oh please say you’ll join us.” Abby asked suggestively.

If looks could kill, Carol would be facing charges.

By now Therese was certain she was a rich shade of red. “I, sure.” Join them for what, who knew? But she did know she couldn’t pass up the chance to spend time with Carol. She needed to breathe the same air. Share the same space. Steal glances any chance I get.

“Fantastic! Meet us out back by the gardens in fifteen. There’ll be a black limo by the Athena statue off to the left. Oh and leave your camera and your phone. The staff here can hold on to it for safekeeping. Oh and no wallet either. Wait. You are old enough to drink?” 

“Of course!” Therese squeaked in mild nervousness and slight offense.

“Fifteen, Belivet! Now, Mrs. Aird, let’s get my goddaughter off to bed.”

Abby had linked arms with Carol and just as they were about to climb the staircase Therese saw the Governor with a dapper man closer to her in age than to Governor Aird but far from the level of sophistication the Airds exuded.

“First Lady Aird, what an honor and Attorney General Gerhard, how lovely to see you again.” The man in the ivory suit bowed.

“Sweetheart, please meet Mr. Thomas Tucker, he’s from the Party Committee.” Harge gestured at Tucker and held Carol’s gaze. “He’d like a few words, Carol. I think you’ll find him to be quite a valuable asset. Indispensable I'd say.” By now Harge had stepped between Abby and Carol. Placing his hand on the small of her back he simultaneously dismissed Abby and warned Carol that the impromptu meeting was non-negotiable. 

“Mr. Tucker, I’m sure your expertise will be much appreciated in the coming months – (she definitely had four glasses) – whatever it may be. However, you will have to excuse me, but I have a prior engagement with the Attorney General and my staff. Oh and Sweetheart, since you’re up here already, do be a doll and tell Florence to get Rindy’s bed ready. I’ll bring her right up to tuck her in.” 

Abby watched closely as her best friend moved in for her signature move. With a kiss to the cheek and smile she caressed her husband’s arm and whispered a counter attack. Oh you've definitely earned yourself a little somethin' somethin' tonight...just gotta find you a willing participant. Other than myself I suppose. Abby mentally rolled her eyes. Then as if by a cosmic push Abby's eyes zeroed in on the lovely young photographer. Aha!

"Gen, you think you can do me a favor?"

"Therese! There you are. I've been looking for you! A couple of us were going to grab some drinks. Gonna stop by our place first though - throw on something I can breathe in. Who knows when we'll have some down time again you know. Come with?" Genevieve squeezed Therese's elbow.

"Um, actually I think I'm going to stay and get some shots with the Governor and Carol. Since you're heading back home think you can take my bag and drop it off?" Therese gave her the best puppy dog eyes she could muster.

"Carol, huh?"

Therese blushed. In one swift motion she hugged her roommate and swung her work duffel onto her shoulder. "You're the best, Gen!"

Alright Athena. Ready or not, here I come.