Jennifer's POV
"Breaking News! The Trant administration has announced the US will cut its financial contribution to NATO substantially. Previously the United States allotted 22% to NATO's direct funding. However, the US will now pledge 16% bringing it close to the contributions of Germany which has a much smaller economy. President Trant had this to say about the move.
"Look you have Germany and these other countries trying to take advantage of the US economy. They want to overachieve on their defense efforts without spending any money. I got on a call and said hey, you want protection start spending! They need to open their pocketbooks and open them bigly. There is no alliance without the US!"
This is one of many moves made by the Trant administration to pull away from foreign allies. We will keep you updated as the story develops...Switching gears, as Election Day nears we are now less than a month away from finding out who will stand against President Trant in the race to become President of the United States. Three candidates remain with Senator Snyder trailing behind former Vice President Bell and Senator Abner. Let's take a look at the numbers..."
My phone lights up and I realize Jared is attempting to call me via FaceTime. I ignore it to continue watching the news segment.
"There are a few key states up for grabs as the race to 1,991 delegates continues. Former Vice President John Bell is currently in the led with 989. Senator Abner slightly trails behind with 904 delegates. Here are the states each candidate needs to win- "
Jared tries back again and I decide to answer. I promised my family I would get better at communicating with them, and lately for obvious reasons I haven't been keeping up my end of the deal.
"Hey Sis! What's up?"
"Hi Jear". A closer look at the screen makes me furrow my eyebrow, "Is that a bruise on your forehead? Is everything ok?"
He nervously laughs, "Everything is fine, hey I tried calling you last night."
"I'm sorry things have been really busy, but when I got a chance today I was going to return your call. You beat me to the punch", I smile."What do you need?"
"Who says I need something? What if I just wanted to catch up with my favorite sister?"
"I'll wait", I say giving him a look.
"Ok ok. Is it alright if I come visit for a few days?"
"Jared I don't know-"
"Please! Mom and Dad have really been on my case and I just need to get away for a few days."
"With the election and everything going on right now its just not a good time I'm sorry."
"Come on sis you know how they are. You promised me that if I ever needed you I can call. Right now I need you."
"Ok", I say sighing.
"Is that a yes?"
"Yes you can stay, but only for a few days. I mean it Jared."
"Thank you sis it's going to be so much fun coming to visit again-"
Mia knocks on my door peeping her head in. She signals for me to look at the clock.
"I can't wait to go to In & Out and-"
"Hey Jear I have to go. I'll have my team book you a flight and send the info over, call me when you get here ok?"
I hang up the phone and sigh.
"Sorry to interrupt but the car is here."
"Ok, let me just grab my things and I'll be right out."
"Perfect, I'll go get Rachel."
"Rachel?"
"Yes, she was assigned as your lead today."
"Right, it must have slipped my mind", I say pretending I'm not caught off guard.
**********
Rachel's POV
"Lunch later?"
"I can't. I'm the Senator's lead today", I say with a fake smile.
"I'm jealous. I'd love to spend the day...and the night with her", Jake says with a cheeky smile.
"You're disgusting you know that?"
I hear the familiar sound of heels approaching behind me and I see Jake straighten up.
"Hi Senator."
"Hi Jacob. How are you?"
"I'm great and yourself?"
"I'm well thank you. Rachel are you ready to go?"
I turn around to see her hazel eyes buried into me.
"Yes."
That one three letter word is the most I've interacted with her since the night of the big USC vs UCLA game. It's harder said than done, but I've been acting like she doesn't exists. I keep it cordial when we're at work because I have to, outside of that our interaction is not required and I've made that clear. So today should be interesting to say the least.
She struts off leaving me trailing behind her, swaying her hips left to right with purpose.
We arrive at the car and Frank hops out to open our doors.
"Senator."
"Hi Frank", she says barely making eye contact with him. "I thought you weren't on the books today."
"I wasn't but I called Mia and insisted. There's almost less than 120 days until the election. Before you know it the Secret Service will be swooping in to replace me...I figured I'd spend the day with two of my favorites while I still can", he says winking. "Rachel, good to see you."
"You too Frank."
He puts on his GPS and pulls out of the parking lot as the awkward silence fills the air.
After awhile out of the corner of my eye I notice Jenn looking in my direction. I turn towards her wanting to avoid eye contact, but also not willing to give her that power.
"Do you have the agenda ready?"
"Yes", I say signaling to the folder that lays between us.
We both go to reach for it at the same time with our hands accidentally grazing.
We both pull back, and I pick it up handing it to her.
She gives a slight smile and opens the folder. "This is really detailed, you did all of this?"
"Yep last night."
She continues to flip through it and thoroughly examines each page.
"What's the name of our contact?"
"Alice Walkins. 50 years old, started the program 15 years ago but has vocally fought for social justice for many years before that. She is the descendant of slaves. She has two sons that she shared with her husband, and last but not least she has met with many political leaders and they've all wanted her endorsement because of the clout she holds in the black community. No pressure but you really need to make a great impression today."
"Any words of advice?"
"Be authentic, or actually don't. I don't know."
It may sound like a dig at her but it's not. I'd like to think Jenn is always authentic, but history has shown me that's not true. You never truly know what side you're getting with her.
"Well thank you", she says putting the folder back between us. I can tell my comment doesn't sit well with her.
"Just doing my job."
Jenn immediately turns to her phone and I decide to go the scenic route and look out the window.
I hear the taping of her nails on her screen. I hear Frank signaling to make a turn. Even though it's silent I hear and feel the animosity between us. Before, I would have been thrilled to accompany her to an event, but now I feel nothing because we're nothing.
"You two doing ok back there?", Frank interjects after twenty minutes of silence.
"We're doing fine Frank. How much longer until we're there?", she asks.
"We should be there shortly."
"Good."
Frank meets eyes with me in the mirror and I mouth "please hurry" which gains a chuckle.
A few minutes later we come to a halt and it's not because we've arrived at our destination.
"Shit."
"What is it?", Jenn says looking up.
"Looks like an accident ahead, we'll have to take a detour."
She sighs in frustration.
I can't take it anymore and decide to speak to up, "Frank can you please turn on the radio?"
"Sure thing."
Just as he turns it on Jenn receives a phone call and asks him to turn it off. I roll my eyes in response.
"Hi Mia."
"Yes of course, please patch him through."
"Prime Minister Theodore what a lovely surprise."
Her infectious laugh rings out as the conversation continues.
"I would love to get together to discuss those issues ...Thank you and have a wonderful rest of your day. I'm looking forward to hearing from your office soon."
She hangs up the phone smiling.
"Good news?", Franks says looking in the mirror.
"Great news. Canada's Prime Minister wants to meet to discuss a few things on the heel of Trant's announcement this morning."
"That's big. Congrats."
"Thank you."
She glances over at me expecting a congratulations but I remain silent.
"Frank you can turn the radio on now."
He turns it on and Falling like the Stars by James Arthur is playing. I remember adding this song to Jenn's travel playlist before we ended things.
She begins to hum while looking out the window.
Frank notices and looks back in the mirror, "You like this song?"
"I love it, it makes me think of home."
"So full of it", I say under my breath.
That gains her attention. "Are you going to continue to act like an adolescent all day?Because if that's the case I can have Frank take you back to the office."
"I don't think I'm the one acting like a child here. You are purposely doing things to get under my skin."
"Rachel what are you talking about?"
"That song reminds you of home? You wearing my hoodie at the game? Don't act like it's not deliberate. "
"God Rachel can we not make things personal for once? What you're saying doesn't make sense. Why would I try to get under your skin?"
"I don't know why you do anything Jenn."
"Hey hey would you two calm down, we're here", Frank says putting the car in park.
"Rachel I have had it with the smart remarks and eye rolls. If being around me is so terrible then you don't have to be. Stay in the car for all I care", she says getting out slamming the door.
I take a deep breath and lean my head against the window.
**********
Jennifer's POV
Rachel villainizing me is unfair and illogical. I have been trying my best to walk on egg shells around her but I can't and won't do it any longer.
"Hello Senator Abner, I'm Alice it's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine Ms. Walkins. I've been waiting for this moment ever since I read your story. It's inspiring, and the work you do for your community is remarkable", I say shaking her hand.
"Thank you. We're all setup over here, would you like to meet some of our members?"
I smile,"I'd love to."
"Perfect....Everyone please gather around and welcome Senator Abner who is here today to spend a little time with us and learn about what we do."
I spend quite some time introducing myself and listening to the stories of people from the local community.
"I'm a black trans woman that has been trying to cope with the emotional pain of dealing with abuse. It starts in the household and eventually spills out onto the streets. One day I was walking home when a group of men started hollering at me from across the street. I kept my head down and walked as quickly as I could, but I wasn't fast enough. They cornered me as my hand touched the door handle. They got in my face they touched me, fondled me. That's the last thing I remember before waking up in the hospital. When I woke up an officer was there to take my statement, but refused to take it as a hate crime."
She begins to cry and I rub her hand to console her.
"I'm a DACA recipient and because of what is happening right now with President Trant trying to end the program it has put a bigger light on immigration. At school I'm teased and people say my family is going to get deported. When I'm at a restaurant they shout to go back where I came from. It hurts, it really does. I have lived in American basically all my life. Yes my parents came here illegally but that is because they wanted a better life for me and my siblings. I just want to feel safe and accepted in a place that I've always called home."
"I was pulled over by a cop for a broken tail light. The officer greets you, you pull out your registration and driver's license, he writes you a ticket and you go about your day right? That's not what happened to me or so many other black men that I know. I was wrestled to the ground and treated like a dog. I didn't disrespect the officer, I was simply asking why I must get out of my car for a broken tail light ticket."
"You're Asian you have to be smart. Does your mother own a nail shop? Can you see out of those eyes? These are things that I've heard all my life and I've become accustomed to because so many people are ignorant when it comes to Asian culture."
"I applied for a job that I was over qualified for a was immediately rejected. It perplexed me for a day or two because I just didn't understand why. So out of curiosity I decided to reapply. This time I changed my race to white and was offered a call back. These are the things we experience on the daily. Systematic racism is inherent."
"I'm here as an ally because what I've been witnessing is so disheartening. People of color, minorities, and LGBTQIA are being treated less than equal. Our current administration has embraced hate. I feel if I don't use my privilege to speak up than I'm no better."
"Senator Abner you've heard from a majority of our members today and I'm sure you can see the common theme. Our fight is not just against blatant racism but it's against systematic racism, it's against microaggressions. A lot of politicians say they're going to do this or that when they come into power but they never end up doing a damn thing. Excuse my language. What I want to know is if we put our faith into you, if we ride for you, will you ride for us?", Alice asks looking stern.
I look each and every one of them in the eyes. "You all are so strong. Stronger than you ever could know. We are in unprecedented times where hate is shamefully being embraced-"
"I'm sorry let me stop you there. See politicians are under this assumption that racism is a new concept that came about when Trant took office. That's not the case, we are just fed up and aren't going to stand by anymore. So what plans do you have Senator, because let me tell you it starts at the top."
"I plan to speak to more individuals like yourselves all over this country so I can hear directly how I can better serve them."
"Man what we said is already falling on deaf ears. Ms. Alice you should have known better than to bring a cop up in here. She could give a damn about us and her past shows that. You need our vote so you're here right?"
"Damien give her a chance to speak."
I shift uncomfortably in my seat and try to speak but I'm interrupted.
"It's always the communities that are treated like second hand citizens that show up the loudest and hardest for the Democratic Party", I turn around to meet eyes with Rachel who is walking towards the group.
"Rachel please", I try to plead fearing that she will make things worse.
In true Rachel fashion she ignores me and continues.
"When I first decided to take a job at Senator Abner's office I too had those concerns, but over time she proved to me she wasn't just another politician. Unlike others she isn't all talk, she puts actions behind her words."
"You're paid to say this, why should we believe you?"
"You should believe me because no one has been harder on her then I have...We had intense, real conversations to the point I thought I was going to get fired. Early on in her campaign I asked her what is she going to do for people of color, the LGBTQ community, the disabled community, and she responded I'm going to get to work. I was skeptical because we've all seen what the politicians do. They go to a soul food restaurant and pose for a picture with a bottle of hot sauce to seem relatable. They show up to a pride event and say they're allies. They'll post a picture celebrating Cinco de Mayo. It's all just lip service, but this woman here truly cares. If she didn't I would have quit a long time ago, but I haven't because I know she has great plans. Just hear her out."
**********
Rachel's POV
I walk away leaving Jenn stunned. I'm a little surprised I just did that myself, but instinct took over.
I watch as Jenn pulls herself together and talks with the group. She becomes more comfortable and lively. Helping people excites her, that's one of the things that attracted me to her.
I lean my head against the wall and pull out my phone to check the time.
"I'm sure she really appreciates what you just did, she was drowning out there."
"Like I said earlier I'm just doing your job."
"Your job doesn't require your heart."
"Frank I'm not going to even pretend like I know what you're talking about."
"You two are without a doubt the stubbornness people I know, and I know cats in the military, the pen, you name it."
"Whatever."
"You two care about each other so much that it's driving you both a little crazy. She's off her game and having trouble focusing, no offense but you're temperamental as ever."
I roll my eyes in response.
"I know it's none of my business, but just on the outside looking in I'm telling you what I see."
I look over at Jenn and just as I do we meet eyes.
**********
Jennifer's POV
Laughs ring out as I tell a personal story to the group. Once I got out of my head I became more comfortable and I was able to speak freely. I laid out some of my plans to make their lives and millions of other American citizens lives better if I'm elected. But even if I'm not I will still continue to fight for them because that's my duty.
"Senator Abner we have taken up most of your day", Alice says looking at her watch. "Thank you for spending an extra few hours with us."
"Thank you for allowing me to share my message and to meet such a wonderful group of people."
"I'm not going to lie I was a little skeptical at first, but you proved me wrong today. All anyone wants to know is that they are being heard. I believe you heard us today and I feel it in my spirit that you will do right if elected. You certainly have my stamp of approval...it will be nice to see a woman in office", she smiles.
"Thank you Ms. Walkins. Before I go I would also like to give you this", I say signaling for Rachel to bring over the presentation check.
"Senator that's not necessary. Like I said we just wanted to be heard."
"I understand that, but I think a lot of people could benefit from your foundation. This is just a small donation to gain a larger outreach."
She smiles and takes the check. "Let's get a picture."
"Ms. Walkins, respectfully I have to decline. This wasn't a photo op for me..We'll have plenty of opportunities to get a photo in the future."
She nods her head and smiles.
"Again it was a pleasure."
"Thank you. Oh Senator, who is that young lady that spoke so highly of you?"
"Her name is Rachel Taff, she's a prime part of my campaign team holding me accountable and all."
"I'd keep her around if I was you. She helped bridged the gap that was there."
I look in Rachel's direction as she talks to Frank.
"I'm going to try my best to", I smile.
When I finish saying goodbye I walk towards Rachel and Frank who stop talking when they notice my presence.
We walk to the car and Frank opens the our doors.
We hop in and I look over at Rachel.
"Frank can we please have a minute?"
"Of course."
I see Rachel grow uncomfortable as Frank exits.
"Why did you help me back there?"
She meets eyes with me and for once I can't read her.
"Because you were right. On our way here I made things personal. What I feel about you personally shouldn't interfere with what I feel about you professionally. Despite everything I still have faith in you as a candidate because I feel you are best for the job."
I run my fingers through my hair, "That's really big of you...I'm sorry that I loss it earlier and said I could care less. Rachel whether you believe it or not I care so much."
She looks down."And whether you believe it or not I'm trying my best."
She doesn't need to elaborate, I know exactly what she means.
"Alice thinks I should keep you around. She pretty much eluded to the fact you saved my ass back there when I froze", I say to lighten the mood .
"Why did you freeze? That's rare for you."
"I'm trying my best too."
She locks eyes with me and our stare lingers for longer then expected.
We both come back to our senses and she nervously tries to shift focus. That's rare for Rachel, she's never nervous.
"If it's ok with you I'm going to catch an Uber back to the office."
"Rachel-"
She gives me a look that says don't fight it so I oblige.
"Ok. Well thanks again for always having my back."
"If anyone is going to talk shit about you it's going to be me", she says getting out the car giving me one last glance.
**********
Rachel's POV
"Hey thanks for meeting me, today was so draining I think I might need to start the weekend early", I say giving Olivia a hug.
"Tell me all about it."
Just as I'm about to speak the bartender comes over to take our order.
"Two shots of tequila and the biggest basket of fries you have. Thank you."
"Oh I don't want tequila tonight."
"Those are both for me Liv."
She looks at me and rushes to order. The bartender walks away and she gives me a concerned look.
"You and Kennedy were right. I've been suppressing my feelings about the break up and today I exploded."
"Rach what happened?"
"Honestly I don't know. I saw her today and one minute we were fine and then we weren't, and then we were again."
"So where do you two stand now?"
"I think we're ok, or at least we're going to be."
"That's heavy. I think you just need to clear your head, you've been a little temperamental lately."
"You're the second person to say that today."
"Because it's true."
I take a shot like it's nothing and reach for the second one.
"Hey I'm all for fun Rach, but please save it for your party this weekend."
"Come on Liv I told you guys I didn't want a party this year."
"You're turning 25 grandma, we have several years to sit around and be boring. But for now we're going to spice things up. Get your best outfit ready because we're throwing you a 90's themed party."