Nina's POV
"Good morning can I please speak to the magazine's Chief?"
"Can I ask who's calling?"
"I would like to remain anonymous for now."
"The chief is very busy. Unless you're calling from an agency or have media credentials-"
"I'm calling from the office of Senator Jennifer Abner with a story you aren't going to want to pass up on."
**********
Jennifer's POV
"Thank you for doing this Senator Abner, the girls are really looking forward to you speaking with them today."
"I can't wait to meet them, I heard they're nothing short of the highest achievers."
"Oh yes, all the girls have a 3.0 gpa or higher. They all take pride in their academics."
"That's fantastic."
Currently I'm at a high achieving, underfunded all-girls high school located in Compton, California. The school has been on my radar ever since I read an article about the school's debate team. High school is where I joined the debate team and that really kick started my interest in politics. Hearing the story of these young ladies resonated with me and I knew I had to meet them.
As I walk into the classroom they gasp with smiles spread across their faces.
"Good morning everyone, wow look at all these smiling faces."
"Don't be shy, say good morning to the Senator girls."
"Good morning Senator Abner."
I take a seat and smile,"It's my understanding that all of you are on the debate team?"
They nod their heads in unison.
"That's great. Can I ask what inspired you to join?"
No one raises their hand."If you're on the debate team I know you aren't shy", I joke. "How about you?", I ask to one of the girls who confidently hasn't broken eye contact.
"I joined because most of the time I'm always right but people don't want to listen."
I chuckle, "So how do you prove you're right?"
"I make a statement. Someone tries to counter my argument and then I provide them with the facts. They end up losing every time."
"That's one way to put it", I smile."You remind me of a friend of mine, she has that same mentality."
"Is your friend successful?"
"Yes she's successful, not as much as she'd like to be at this point in her life, but she's working on reaching her goals. I'm sure you're all just as hard on yourselves and in a way you have to be. You have to strive for excellence, you have to want this for yourselves, but I'm guessing you all know that or you wouldn't be the number one high school debate team in the state...I think you all deserve around of applause."
They join my lead. "From your principal here I heard you have been fundraising and working extra hard to raise money to go to the National Tournament of Champions debate."
They nod their heads.
"Well I want you to put all your focus into doing what you do best because you're going to Nationals!"
They jump up from their seats screeching and celebrating. "Thank you!"
"You're very welcome. Congratulations on all your success. I wish you all the best and I look forward to you bringing that championship home."
I take a picture with them before leaving and talk with the principal on my way out.
"Thank you so much Senator you just made those girls' dreams come true."
"Knowledge is the most powerful tool. I see so much potential in that room. It would be a shame if it wasn't shared."
I say my goodbyes and head out the door with Frank beside me.
"You know when you offered me this job I didn't know it would be this nuts. You've been working 24/7."
"Tell me about it. It will all be worth it in the long haul regardless of what happens."
**********
Rachel's POV
"The Senator has the Latinos for Democracy panel Thursday, Saul I want you to take point on that. Rachel you'll work the LGBT seminar, and Wes you'll be in charge of the young business professional meeting...Mia what's her schedule like for next week? We're getting bombarded with request."
"She might be able to squeeze in one evening event next Tuesday but even that's a stretch."
"Ok we'll get together and figure something out. Does everyone have their assignments?..Great, let's get to work."
As I walk to my desk I hear someone call my name. I turn around to see Jacob running to catch up with me.
"Hey you wanna grab lunch?"
"Sure I'm starving, but I'm not eating In & Out again. Every time you pick it's the same thing."
"I was being nice by extending you an invitation, I still have time to revoke it."
"And be left sitting alone? We all know you need attention."
He cracks a smile and points to himself."This face draws attention...Hey Amber", he yells out flirting with the latest new hire.
"Negative reasons only."
"Look who's talking. Did you even try when you woke up this morning?"
"I don't need to try. In the words of the Queen herself I woke up like this."
"Yeah that's pretty fucking obvious", we both laugh.
"Hey Av, we're going to grab lunch, want to come with?", I say stopping at her desk.
"Yeah sure."
"Did I hear lunch?", Nina interjects.
I roll my eyes,"I don't remember extending the invite."
"And I don't remember caring... I'll be right I just need to grab my wallet."
"I'll be right back too", Avery says meekly.
"Hey have they been acting weird to you lately?", Jacob questions.
"When aren't they weird?"
"True, but they've just been sketching me out acting all secretive and stuff."
"Who knows, we would run ourselves crazy worrying about all their dumb drama."
As we exit the lobby I see Jenn and Frank walk in."Hi how are you all doing?", Jenn says stopping us to say hello. "Where are you headed off to?"
"Lunch", Jake responds.
"It's so nice seeing you all together. I remember your first day as interns. Time sure does fly by."
"Yeah it sure does", I reply.
Jenn looks at me and smiles, "We'll I won't hold up your lunch. Have fun."
"Thank you."
"Damn she looks hot today", Jake says as we head to his car.
"Be careful Jakey, Rachel might get jealous."
"Excuse me?"
"Oh nothing."
*******
Jennifer's POV
"Nice speaking with you. Thank you, have a great afternoon."
I get off the phone and sigh. "Do I have wrinkles yet David? I feel like I'm approaching that territory."
He laughs, "No, but between you and I, I used a whole bottle of Rogaine last night on the little hair I have left."
I chuckle, "What else do I have for today?"
"One last phone interview, and I had Mia block off the rest of the day so you can do your actual Senate duties."
"Excellent."
"Ok I'll leave you to it...Oh looks like you have a visitor", he says walking out into the hallway.
I get up and reach my head out of the office to see Greg leaning in Mia's doorway. I slowly approach to hear nothing but giggling from Mia.
"Hi what are you doing here?", I ask looking between the two.
"Why else? I came to visit my beautiful wife. But I always have to check in with Mia to see how the real star of the office is doing", he smiles.
"Aww you're so sweet Greg."
I walk away leaving him standing there.
"Must you be so jealous all the time?",he says closing the door behind him.
"Jealous? please. If you want to get your dick wet do it somewhere besides my office."
"Right, the office is your own personal playground."
"Greg I don't have the time. What do you want?"
"My parents are coming to town so we need to figure things out."
"Figure what out?"
"Living arrangements."
"They can get a hotel."
"Would you tell your family to get a hotel?"
I give him a look. "Never mind...look I play along with all your bullshit. My family wants to be close to us and doesn't want to deal with the hassle of staying somewhere else."
I sigh, "I already have enough going on, I don't have the time to entertain your parents Greg."
"It'll just be for a few days, and must I remind you that they are still your fucking in-laws?"
"Fine but when you clear out the guest room don't get too comfortable. You're sleeping on the floor."
"Like I want to touch your crabby ass anyway."
"Goodbye Greg", I say closing the door behind him.
**********
Rachel's POV
"Avery you've been quiet."
"'I'm not feeling well", she says not looking me in the eyes.
"Are you sick?"
"Sick of hearing you talk I'm pretty sure", Nina says looking smug.
"Nina would you shut the fuck up already.Your fake Regina George Mean Girls persona is so tired. Like we get it you peaked in high school and now you don't have any friends."
Jacob bursts out in laughter.
"What a funny way of reading yourself", she says.
"God even your comebacks are trash. Tell me something Nina why are you so miserable?"
"I think the only one here that is miserable is you or at least you're going to be."
"Yeah how so?"
"When you finally get what you deserve."
"Ok ok enough of the cat fighting, while it's entertaining we need to get back. We've been gone for a minute."
The car ride back is silent. From the passenger seat I look in the mirror to see Avery staring out the window looking depressed. Something is off with her but I can't tell what.
We arrive back at the office and Jake parks next to my car. "Rach did you do something different with your car?"
"Four brand new tires after some jackass slit them."
"Oh yeah I forgot about that."
Nina smirks, "Isn't it funny when bad things happen to terrible people?"
"Nina you are really testing the little bit of patience I have left for you", I say as we walk into the lobby.
"You're all talk Rachel. Maybe I should get your windows next time to get a reaction out of you."
"What the fuck did you just say?"
"You heard me", she laughs .
I've tried holding it in, but I can't any more. She messed with me and she's going to pay for it.
All I see is red. As she continue to walk ahead of me I reach out grabbing a fist full of her hair and yanking her back towards me. She yells out stumbling to the ground.
"Rachel no stop it!", Avery yells out trying to break us up.
Everything around me becomes non existent. I use my right fist punching her repeatedly as she falls to the ground.
***********
Jennifer's POV
"What is all of that noise?, I ask leaning into Mia's doorway.
" I don't know, it sounds like someone is yelling ."
We both walk out to the lobby to see a crowd of people surrounding what ever disturbance is happening.
As I walk closer, everyone clears out of my way with frightened looks on their faces.
I gasp and bring my hand up to my mouth in shock as I see Rachel and Nina in an altercation. Rachel is on top of her and Nina is a defensive position with her hands covering her head.
With all the yelling and chaos going on Jacob and security finally separate the two.
Rachel tries to escape Jacob's grip to get back at Nina.
"Rachel my office now I yell out!", startling everyone.
She runs her fingers through her hair and looks over at Nina, "I'm all talk right Nina? That's why you just got your ass beat. You like to talk so much but now I don't hear you saying anything stupid bitch."
"Mia hold Nina in your office", I instruct. She quickly walks over to Nina asking if she's ok as you can already see the bruises forming across her face. She holds her head in pain but tries to downplay what just occurred by saying she's fine.
I storm to my office with Rachel trailing behind me.
"What the hell what was that about?"
Rachel sits there fuming not saying anything. I walk over to my desk to retrieve the first aid kit in my drawer as I see a scratch under Rachel's eye. "Rachel I need you to start talking now. What were you thinking?"
She finally meets eyes with me and budges, "She's the one that slashed my tires."
"How do you know that?", I say placing the bandaid across her cheek making her whence.
"Because she just fucking admitted it to me that's how."
"And your first reaction is to get into an altercation with her? I would have handled it if you came to me. You know physical violence is not tolerated. You had one strike left."
"I don't give a fuck about how many strikes I have or don't have left. I let her slide too many times, she had it coming."
We hear a knock at the door and I rub the temple of my head in frustration.
"Come back later!"
The knocking intensifies and I take a deep breath.
"Avery as you can see I'm busy at the moment."
"I-I know but this can't wait it's about Nina."
I signal for her to come in and she paces back in forth across my office.
Rachel faces her and she begins to tremble.
"Rach, I'm really sorry. I accidentally let it slip out and now it's spiraled out of control and because of what just happened I'm afraid of what she's going to do next."
"You let what slip out Avery?", I ask sternly.
She looks down at the floor biting her nails.
"Avery!", I shoutout startling her.
"Nina knows...She knows about the two of you."
Everything stands still as I hear the words replay in my head. I grab a hold of my desk to try to keep my balance.
"Avery how do you accidentally tell the person that hates me something like that?"
"Stop talking", I breathe out.
Rachel continues to lay into Avery questioning her betrayal, unaware of my current state."Be quiet! Avery what all does Nina know?", I say with my breath shaky.
She looks down afraid to meet my eyes, "She knows everything and now she's planned something to be back at you both. She bugged your office, she broke into your computer, she took pictures. I-"
"Avery how do you know she did all of this?", Rachel questions.
"Because I helped her."
The look of hurt crosses Rachel's face, but it quickly turns to anger.
"So not only did you tell her, but you also helped her gather evidence against us?"
"Rachel I'm sorry-"
I push past Avery brushing her shoulder to walk over to Mia's office.
I walk in to find Mia behind her computer alone, "Mia I told you to keep Nina in your office. Where is she?"
"I tried holding her, but she complained of head and neck pains. I think she's off to the hospital and probably the police afterwards to file a report. I can't believe Rachel attacked her like that..actually I can I've always known she was trouble."
I walk away feeling like my world is crashing down once again. It's the same feeling I had when Avery caught us, but only 10 times worse.
"Avery get out of my sight now", I tell her as she's in tears profusely apologizing to Rachel who is know pacing around the room.
"Sorry Senator", she meekly says before exiting the room.
I slam the door behind her and sit down behind my desk with my mind going a mile a minute.
"Jenn-", Rachel says walking over to me.
"No! I warned you about Avery and you kept disregarding me like I was insolent to think ill of your friend. This is the second time Rachel, the second time! And now that Nina who you just got into an altercation with knows-"
"Jenn-"
"Whatever you say next better be that this is all a sick prank you're all pulling on me."
"We got out of it the last time, we can do it again."
"We didn't get out of it because it's back biting us in the ass."
"Jenn I'll figure something out."
"Figure something out? Rachel I'm in this mess because of you. This is my life at stake here and you put that in jeopardy again. Hopefully I can bribe her with money or a job, something to save my ass."
"You're acting like I meant for any of this to happen. You're right, no I didn't want to think the worst of my friend, but that doesn't give you the excuse to shit on me. We're in this together, we're both fucked."
"We nothing! This situation once again proves that there shouldn't be, and should have never been a we."
"I know you're upset-"
"Rachel you should leave before I say something we both regret."
"Worse than we should have never been together?", she gives me a look that I haven't since when she first started working here and storms out slamming the door.
Shortly after David opens the door quickly closing it behind him.
"David I need you to knock before you ever enter this door again. I can not talk right now."
"Is there any truth to it?"
"David I don't have the time to talk in riddles."
"As your campaign advisor and trusted friend I hope, I need to know is there any truth to the rumor that you're having an affair with a staffer."
"What? Where are you hearing that from?"
"A friend of mine that works at TMI heard from her friend at Starstruck mag that an insider claims to have info that you are carrying out some lustrous affair with a staffer. This person has sold their story and plans to provide evidence to corroborate it. So I'll ask you again, is their any truth behind this claim?"
"No of course not. Who is this source?"
"The source is anonymous, but is said to have have photos, text messages and recordings of you and this staffer."
"Well either its all be doctored, or this is Senator Snyder continuing on his smear campaign against me."
"Let's hope so. The story is hitting the shelves by the end of the week unless I can work my magic and stop It. I can try to spin this but I need to know nothing is going to pop up."
"David it's just not true. I would never be that obtuse."
"Good. Let me get to work. Don't let this mess up the momentum. The campaign is rocking and rolling. This is just a small hiccup that I will take care of. I'll get in contact with your attorney and get this abominable hit tactic sorted out."
He closes the door and frustrated I swipe all the contents including the flowers from Rachel shattering to the ground.
I hear a knock on my door and Mia peeps her head in, "Is everything ok Senator?"
"Everything is fine Mia." She looks down at all the papers and shattered glass and doesn't say anything.
When I'm finally left alone I take a deep breath leaning against desk while looking around the room. I can't give all of this up. I've worked too hard. I can't give my future up.
I sit down and think for awhile before I pick up my phone.
"Hello?"
"Frank I need your help."