Rachel's POV
Present day
Fuck! It's election night. You can probably already sense my disdain, seeing as 4 years ago a man whose beliefs conflict directly with mine became President of The United States.
In those 4 years I saw America go back to a time that I only read about in history books. Men stormed the streets with tiki torches, human rights were stripped away, families were separated, and attacks on women's rights to control their bodies were more momentous than ever.
Yeah 4 years ago you could call me naive seeing as America didn't "go back to how it was decades ago", it was always right in front of us. However, with a man as iniquitous as Duke Trant elected to office hate was shamefully embraced.
Since that election night I vowed to myself to use the degree I was pursuing to make a change.
I was 21 years old when I made that vow. Now, 4 years later I am pacing back and forth in front of the war room door of a candidate that I have put all my faith into.
My anxiety is at an all time high as my vision becomes blurred and my hearing becomes muffled. Minutes countdown until the American people find out which candidate we have elected. I hope we got it right this time.
"Hey, are you alright?", my best friend Olivia whispers as she nudges my arm to gain my attention.
"Yeah I'm fine, I was just thinking", I answer back.
I lied. I'm anything but fine.
You might be thinking to yourself wow she's patriotic. And to that I say fuck no, well let me clear this up a little bit. Yes, I love this county. Yes, I want to see change. However, I hold this election near and dear to my heart for another special reason.
I'm in love with the next potential President of The United States.
"Rachel, I know you put so much time into this campaign and you're worried. I get it, but it's out of everyone's hands at this point. Why don't we go get some fresh air and grab some coffee?", Olivia says.
Olivia is such a great friend, and I wish I could tell her what this night actually means to me but I can't.
"Liv, I appreciate what-". My sentence is cut short as the door to the room that I've been aimlessly pacing in front becomes ajar.
I nervously shift my focus to the floor, because I know if I glance up and see anything but a smile on her face what that will mean.
But despite my better judgement I look up and lock eyes with Jenn; or better known to the American public as Senator Jennifer Abner.
**********
Jennifer's POV
Earlier that day
Today is the day. The day that will determine if all my life's work and dedication has translated to all whom I've come across. The day that I promised my grandfather and Iris would come. The day that I will find out if I have been elected as The President of The United States of America.
"Senator are you ready for briefing?"
"Yes, I'll be right there."
I walk down the halls noticing that it's suspiciously quiet for what is guaranteed to be the busiest day the office has seen.
"Mia where is everyone?", I call out as I approach the conference room.
"Surprise!!!!!"
"Oh my gosh, you guys", I smile as I see the joyful faces of my staff surrounding me.
I look on the table to see a cake with a lego-like figure of me place on top.
"This is amazing thank you all so much."
"Here's David", one of my senior staff members says holding up a figure that too resembles him. "We kept him off because we figured he bugs you enough."
Laughter erupts in the office.
"I will neither confirm or deny."
"Senator we just wanted to wish you the best of luck tonight and thank you for being the best boss we could ask for. The work we all do is a reflection of you and we just hope we've been able to make you proud."
"Yes, yes you all have done a tremendous job to ensure that this campaign is successful. Without all of you I would not be in the position that I am. Often times you all get overlooked by the public. They don't know the dedication, the sacrifice, the commitment that goes into this. I owe all of you so much gratitude. Whatever the results may be I stand behind everything we have done this campaign."
Everyone claps and says thank you.
"Ok Senator we have a busy day ahead. Your first stop is voting at your local polling places where you will interviews with multiple news agencies. Right after that you'll be heading to the airport where your departure for Wisconsin will be televised. Once in Wisconsin you'll meet with a local crowd and visit the polling place closest to your childhood home, next you'll visit your family-"
"I told the team to scrap that. My family will meet me at the event location."
"Oh right I see that note here, my apologies."
"After the polling place you'll travel to the event location where you'll either give your acceptance speech or concession speech."
"Do you know if the campaign staff has landed yet?"
"I believe they have."
"Great thank you."
"No problem. I'll let the driver know we're ready to go."
**********
Rachel's POV
"Do you think election week is sort of like the Olympics where all the elites just fuck each other for fun?", Olivia questions while surveying the room.
"I think everyone is more concerned with the actual election. After the results are called I'm sure all bets are off though."
"Tell me some of your nerdy political stuff incase I'm approached by one with these hot guys in suits. I want to be able to at least know something."
"Trant bad, Abner good."
"Very funny Rach."
"You have a boyfriend...one they I can't stand, but still a boyfriend."
"I was just kidding sheesh, lighten up."
"Olivia I have a job to do. I'm lucky I was allowed to bring you along."
"Yes you are."
"I wish Ken could have been here too. She balances out our crazy."
"That's true...But apparently when you're being a considered for a promotion you don't have a life anymore?"
"Correct. You would know if you stayed on a job for more than two weeks."
"Isn't there a saying like it take two weeks to fall in love with something? These jobs just don't speak to my heart."
I laugh looking down at my phone as it lights up.
"I'll be right back, please don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"Have fun?"
I shake my head stepping away.
"Hey babe."
"Hey, how's it going?'
"Good...Have you left LA yet?"
"Not yet, I'm on my way to airport now. I just finished up some interviews and I voted...Did you get the chance to before you left?"
"Of course I did. I early voted as soon as we got back from our baecation."
"Is that right, hmmm so who did you vote for?"
"I really wasn't feeling either of the candidates so me being a free thinker I wrote Kanye in on the ballot."
"I will hang up this phone right now-"
"Jk jk. I couldn't have been happier to vote for you."
"That so sweet. At least I know that I have two votes to count on."
"Well let's just stop the count now."
She laughs, "How's Olivia? Are you two having fun?"
"Olivia is Olivia. I'm trying to get work done but she has other plans in mind."
"I'm sure she's just excited."
"Excited and horny are synonyms right?"
"I will not answer that", she chuckles. "I have to go."
"Wait before things get crazy can I have like two minutes of your time when you get here?"
"For you?...I'll give you two and a half."
"You make me feel so special...have a safe flight I'll see you later."
**********
Jennifer's POV
"Has your family arrived yet?"
Greg takes a look at his phone,"They just checked into the hotel. My mother can't wait to see her favorite daughter-in -law."
"I'm her only daughter in law."
"Ah well there you go."
"Did you give them a talk? Tonight needs to go off without a hitch.."
"They'll be fine. Did you give yours a talk?", he says giving me a look.
"Hey sis a couple of my buddies are asking if they can come tonight. Is that cool?"
"Your drinking buddies?"
"Seriously Jenn? Let him have some kind of fun. You and your father playing divorced parents has already been enough of him."
"Fine. As long as we get it cleared through security they are free to come, but I don't need to remind you that you are out of chances."
"Thank you. Thanks Greg", he says as they do a handshake.
"Doesn't the weight get heavy?"
"Excuse me?", Greg questions.
"The weight of pretending to be the perfect man."
He smirks,"Come on Jenn, give some credit here. You wouldn't be here tonight without me."
"Things must be so nice in your head. Why don't you just shut up and smile for the cameras", I say as I plaster on a smile waving to the crowd that surrounds the event building.
Greg places his hand on the small of my back and waves to the crowd.
**********
Rachel's POV
"Alice Walkins should arrive shortly can you please notify me when she gets here?", I ask security.
"Sure thing."
"Thank you."
"Ms. Taff can I have a word with you?"
I turn around to see Jenn standing behind me.
"Of course."
She leads me to an empty room for a moment of privacy.
"How was your flight?"
"Remind me to never Google myself again."
"Don't listen to any of that stuff. You got this."
"You think so?"
"I know so."
She smiles.
"The reason I wanted to see you is because I have something for you."
"Rachel you didn't have to get me anything."
"I know, but I wanted to...Close your eyes."
She gives me a look.
"Come on just close them I promise it's nothing crazy."
She listens closing her eyes. I reach for her hands and I place a gift in them. Once it's in her hands I instruct her to open her eyes.
"Rachel", she says looking down at 1969 red Mustang toy replica.
"I know how important this day is and what it means to you. You told your grandfather you were going to follow your dreams and you did that. He would be so proud of you. I wanted you to have a reminder of him today."
She smiles before pressing her lips to mine. A tear drops on her cheek and wipe it away.
"I didn't mean to make you cry."
"These are happy tears. I'm so thankful for this, for you, for today. Last night I did a lot of thinking and no matter what happens tonight I can be at peace with it because at least I tried. I put myself out there to the world, if I'm not what they want I can accept it. All that matters is that I tried."
"I don't know who in their right mind wouldn't want you", I say with a smile.
She gives me a kiss before her phone starts to ring.
"Ok I have to go", she says taking a deep breath. "The next time you see me I could be the president-elect."
"I'd wish you luck but you don't need it...Go win this thing", I say giving her a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you."
**********
Jennifer's POV
"Please gather around everyone. I want to thank you all for your tireless efforts during this campaign. Tonight is the big one. We had some great moments, we've had some tough moments but we got through it together. The slogan for our campaign. We're stronger together, I stand by that and I stand by all of you. I couldn't be more thankful for each and every one of you...Winning has always been one of our goals here, but our main goal has always been to help the American people. No matter the results tonight I want you to all hold your heads up high because we've already won. We stayed true to ourselves, we helped so many, we've made history together. This is the best group of people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. So thank you."
Everyone claps and David steps up to the front of the room.
"Thank you for that Senator. We all appreciate those touching words from you...Now let's get down to business. Tonight like Senator Abner mentioned is the big one. Our hope is that it will be called tonight and we will find out who has been elected. However, we know how these things go. And our opponent adds an extra layer to that. We've spoken to many Secretaries of States who believe that they have enough manpower to get the job done tonight. We saw people show up in records numbers for early voting and mail in ballots so that is great. From statistics we know that is where we get our advantage. Typically conservatives like to show up for day of voting. President Trant did not do any favors by encouraging his base to not participate in mail in ballots...I want everyone to know that over the next few hours we will be glued to this room. You will not leave unless you have official business in which you are required. You all have your assignments, you all know what is expected. Everyday I see you all on your cellphones when you are not supposed to be and it drives me crazy. Tonight I want you to drive me crazy. Get your phones out and reach out to anyone you. Encourage people to stay in line, ask your official contacts how things are looking, Monitor social media. If you noticed these monitors around the room are on every major news channel. These channels should never know before we know. Do your jobs and do them well. This could be our last times all working together. Let's make the Senator proud."
"Thank you David."
"Don't thank me yet. We're getting exit poll numbers from the east coast in seconds.
**********
Rachel's POV
"President Trant is currently in the lead with 132 votes and Senator Abner is trailing behind with 108. At this moment we're not seeing anything out of the ordinary. The states that are historically red are following trend. Senator Abner is grabbing the blue states and we know that the west coast are typically in that group. What's interesting are these states we're seeing right now in the purple zone. Pennsylvania is a big one, worth 20 votes. Now typically it's a red state, but if we take a look at these counties, heavily minority counties, heavily populated are voting blue. Senator Abner visited there a few weeks ago, maybe this is a result of that. This is a state we will certainly keep an eye on throughout the night."
"Yeah we're here. I think Rachel is going to lose her mind she hasn't sat down in like two hours...Well are you watching? It doesn't look too good."
"Liv you don't know what you're talking about. These are just exit polls numbers, we haven't seen most of he early voting and mail in ballots yet", I say as she Olivia talks to Kennedy.
"Ken I have to go...Yep talk to you later."
"Kennedy sends her love."
"I'll call her when I get a chance."
"Why don't you go take a break? Nothing is happening right now."
"Everything is happening. Are you not paying attention?"
"Ok calm down...How do you want me to help?"
"Can you see what FOX news is saying? I can't stomach tuning in to that."
"Ok."
**********
Jennifer's POV
"We just broke history...We won Georgia! We turned Georgia blue!"
Everyone claps in the room.
"Oh my God", I stand up shocked.
"Georgia hasn't seen the color blue in years."
"I can't believe we did", I say shocked.
"Those days we spent there didn't only mean something to us", David says.
"We can really win this."
"We absolutely can. It's within our reach. All of the analyst think we have many more routes to 270 than Trant does currently."
I sit down looking around the room trying to catch my breath. All of a sudden this doesn't seem impossible.
**********
"Senator Abner has done the impossible. She has won the states of Georgia and Arizona. States that are historically red. If I'm the republican party I'm starting to get worried. To win Trant has to win Pennsylvania, he has to or this race is over. We still have some out standing votes but these counties are predominantly democratic voting. Currently 85% of the votes are in.
Mark I can't believe what I am seeing right now. Senator Abner has been trailing Trant most of the night and suddenly it's the opposite. She won Georgia and Arizona. That is huge. Wheter she wins tonight or not she's made history turning those two states blue. And from what we're seeing right now she'll make history again with becoming the first female President of The United States."
"We just received a phone call from the Pennsylvania Secretary Of State. He expects another vote dump in the next 10 minutes", David says.
"Ok", I say taking a deep breath.
We hear a knock at the door and one of the secret service agents answers.
Greg enters with a smile on his face. He greets me with a kiss.
"Oh my God", he says giving me a look.
"I know. Can you believe this?"
"It's happening so I guess I have to...David how are we looking?"
**********
"Congratulations on running a historic campaign. You were a tough opponent...Yes, hopefully the Senate and the House can work bipartisanly on these issues. Thank you", I hang up from my call with Duke Trant and take a deep breath.
"How'd the call go?"
"Considering who he is I would say it went well."
I give each of my staff a hug thanking them for all their hard work.
"Ok are you ready to face the music?", David questions.
"Let's do it."
*********
Rachel's POV
"It's just past midnight here on the east coast and we are still awaiting for votes to come in. We just got words that Pennsylvania the state we've ben monitoring throughout the night has 95% of the vote in. We are on standby as the results can come in any moment. If Senator Abner clinches it this election will be called. If President Trant clinches it then he will be 10 points away securing the 270 electorate votes needed to be elected. Senator Abner will have a more difficult time if she does not secure the state. She could possibly win 3 votes here, 5 here, but nothing significant enough to bring her to the 270. For her this is literally win or lose."
I turn off my phone and take a deep breath.
"Hey, are you alright?"
"Yeah I'm fine, I was just thinking."
"Rachel, I know you put so much time into this campaign and you're worried. I get it, but it's out of everyone's hands at this point. Why don't we go get some fresh air and grab some coffee?", Olivia says.
"Liv, I appreciate what-". My sentence is cut short as the door to the room that I've been aimlessly pacing in front becomes ajar.
I nervously shift my focus to the floor, because I know if I glance up and see anything but a smile on her face what that will mean.
But despite my better judgement I look up and lock eyes with Jenn.
**********
Jennifer's POV
Rachel was right. No matter what the results I still won tonight in many ways. I stayed true to myself, I worked tirelessly, and I made a difference. I guess now I have to tell her the news. I take the red car I've been fiddling with all night off the table making me think of my grandfather. I wonder what he would tell me in this moment if he was here.
I exit the war room that I've been confined in for most of the day and Rachel is the first face that I see. I can tell that she's been worrying as much as I was. At first I was going to play with her a little bit, but I figure that's too harsh. To relieve her mind I flash her a smile.
She takes a sigh of relief and smiles as I continue walking through the event.
"Senator Abner, I'm sorry President-Elect Abner they are ready for you on the stage."
I smile. President-Elect is going to take some time getting used to.
"Good evening everyone, after a nail bitter of a night we are happy to introduce your hometown hero and newly elected President of The United States of America to the stage....Jennifer Abner."
I walk out to the stage beaming with joy and excitement. I did it, I followed my dream and it came true. I am President of The United States of America. The first woman to ever hold position. I turned three historically red states blue. This is the moment.....The moment that I waited my entire life for.
I wave to the crowd as they scream and shout in celebration. Who runs the world by Beyonce blares through the speakers. If I won tonight I knew Rachel would appreciate that.
I see my friends, family, staff, and voters filling the arena. I point and wave expressing my gratitude.
I make my way to the podium placing the red car Rachel gifted me down.
"Thank you. Thank you....Hello Wisconsin, Hello America.
"If there is any doubters out there that believe America is not a place where all things are possible, that question if our value are still alive. If there are people who do not believe in the power of our democracy I want them to refer to tonight as an example. People across this nation exercise their right to vote and their voices were heard. They were heard loud and clear. Our democracy chose love, unity, and healing. They also chose history by bestowing their faith in me to do this job as the first female President of the United States."
The crowd erupts in cheers.
"It's been a long time coming but tonight will go down in history as a defining moment for this country...But I don't want us to lose our focus. We made history but it's time to live in the present...I told you that I'm always going to be transparent with you so let me be clear when I say that we have a lot of work to do. It's not going to be easy and it won't happen overnight but change is coming. My job as commander in chief will be to lead this country with everyone in mind, to make the best decisions to make us a stronger country, to make the lives of Americans easier than it has been. Wether you're black, white, hispanic, asian, gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, able, disabled, Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, I work for you. America is made up of the working class. My focus will be on restoring jobs that have been lost, increasing wages, expanding our infrastructure, and establishing a health care system compatible for all. Over the next four years I will push to also make America better for the years that follow. A place where our children and grandchildren don't have to struggle. A place that is livable. My late grandfather William Abner was a noble man. He's the person that I've drawn all my principles from. He would say Jenn plan for the future but live for today. For me that starts with our climate. In the years to come we will not have a country if we do not take it seriously. Day 1 of my presidency I will make efforts to combat the multiple crisis we are facing across this country and I will do so bipartisanly. Before taking this stage tonight I had a phone call with President Trant where we both expressed interest in bringing the parties together to get things done for the American people. We work for you. I ask officials that we don't fall into old ways, that we move this country forward in the right direction. We have a lot to do and we will get it done because we're stronger together.
To the American voters I want to thank you for trusting me with this huge task. Michael and I will not let you down. To my family I want to thank you for being by my side. To my staff who has done a phenomenal job with this campaign thank you. So many years, months, days, and hours you have sacrificed to elevate our ideas. Greg, my wonderful husband I love you. Thank you for being by my side. Tonight Michael and I didn't win, we all won. Democracy won. We celebrate tonight and get to work tomorrow...Thank you, God bless you and God bless the United States of America."
Music blast through the speakers and the crowd erupts in cheers.
My family joins me on stage for celebration.
**********
Greg's POV
"You still celebrating in AZ man?"
"This celebration isn't ending anytime soon...I just got off the phone with Jenn, she say's you all gathered around to watch my acceptance speech", Mike says with excitement ringing through his voice.
"We did she's excited to get to work with you."
"As am I....Thank you for all the work you've done to make this happen Greg. I owe you my friend."
"I'll cash in on that in the days to come. The Job's not finished, but tonight you just focus on celebrating this win. Cheers brother."
"Cheers."
**********
Rachel's POV
As the night begins to wind down I look around for Jenn to formally congratulate her. She's had non stop interviews and people pulling her into every direction as expected. She just made history not only for America but for herself. I couldn't be happier for her.
I see a line of secret service men and women swarming like bees and I know that she has to be near.
I look up at the arena balcony to see her overlooking the crowd.
She catches my eye and smiles.
"May I come up to the castle?"
"You may my dear."
I get stopped by the secret service and I flash my credentials before heading up the stairs.
With her back still turned to the crowd I slowly approach her.
"Hello Madam President."
"Madam President, ohhh I love the sound of that."
I smile, "What are you doing up here all alone?"
"Taking this all in. I can't believe it."
"I can."
"You've always had faith in me."
"I don't know about always", I smile.
"Well in the moments it counted you did."
"So what's next for the new most popular woman in the world?"
"It's time to get to work. The job's not finished, there's a lot of work to get done."
"Well what's your first task?"
"Asking you an important question."
"What?"
"Will you come to Washington with me?"
"What?"
"Come to Washington with me", she says looking me in the eyes.
I smile, "You're joking right?"
"No. I told you that things will be different this time. Just give me the time to show you...Four years, that's all I'm asking and then it will just be us."
I stand there in shock with my mouth slightly parted open as I'm at a lost for words.
"I don't know if I can do this without you and I don't know if I want to."
I shake my head trying to find the words.
"So what do you say?", she questions.