Just another lazy Saturday...

[ladyofavalon77]

Except for a movie I didn’t leave the house today. I finally got caught up in all my entries and forum posts but unfortunately had no time to write stories or make icons. Maybe tomorrow :D I really need to clean my room, finish the income tax, and organize my music and movies. I’m so lazy!

Two movies to review today. First up is Dreamgirls! We went to see at the $2 movie and I REALLY liked it. The costumes were gorgeous! I need to go back to that era and just play dress up. The actors did a good job and Jennifer Hudson really does have a great presence when acting. It doesn’t hurt that she can sing too! However, she does have some trouble delivering a song and moving around the stage. That’s where Beyonce shines and is SO pretty I was really surprised when they did her glamour shots. Her acting has gotten better too. Jamie Fox didn’t live up to expectations and Eddie Murphy actually proved he could do a series role. What I liked best was that everyone was right…and everyone was wrong. Definitely going to add this one to my collection!

Then I had one more movie with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers that came in from Blockbuster.

It was called Carefree and one of their lesser known works. There was way too much talking and not enough dancing but what was there was the most beautiful I saw from them out of all their movies. Despite her size and his small frame, Fred was able to lift her over several tables and spin her around like she weighed as light as a feather. The way he did it was so fairytale like and they are definitely the ultimate dream couple. Ginger is also very funny like Lucille Ball…I was really impressed with her gift for humor. Now I need to buy the Ultimate Fred Astaire and Ginger Roger Collection so I can watch them twirl around the floor again and again and again! Then again there is Dancing With The Stars!

So the new schedule goes into effect today and here is the next chapter of “If I Should Lose You.” Here is Aaron’s point of view after he knows Martha is safe at the hospital they brought her to and he refuses to leave her side until they move her back to the ranch. What I like about this chapter is that when Martha asks him what he would do if faced with the same situation Charles was faced with and Aaron tells her that he would put the country first. I also like how Martha reaches for his hand and asks him to stay with her until she falls asleep. There’s a definite connection there but neither are willing to cross the line.

CHAPTER 14

Though the day was more than halfway over, Aaron Pierce felt like he had been through hell and back, the stress of the last few hours finally beginning to take its toll as he walked back toward the hospital room Mrs. Logan had been moved to after surgery. Common sense told him that he should have returned to the Retreat for a chance to rest his mind and body after what had happened but his heart had disagreed as he remembered the last time she had been admitted to a hospital and what her reaction had been when her husband had finally left her alone with the medical staff. That was something he didn’t want her to have to relive again, not if he could help it.

She deserves better than that…after everything she’s been through…

Fortunately, President Logan had finally made the correct choice in this situation by staying at her bedside until she was awake, guaranteeing that her stay at this medical facility would not be marked by the acute depression and anxiety attacks that had accompanied her last visit. For once, the man was fulfilling his duties as her husband instead of pushing those responsibilities off on the first person he could find, which in most cases just turned out to be Aaron.

Whatever was most convenient for him at the time…

Not that he minded taking care of the volatile Mrs. Logan. There was something magnetic about her personality that attracted him like no other woman could. It wasn’t a sexual attraction, though there were moments of that as well. If he had to describe it, Aaron would have said it was a spiritual connection where two souls meet and instantly form a bond despite just being introduced mere moments before. He still was not sure if this was because of her genuine, honest desire to do what was right no matter the personal cost to herself or his unexplainable, instinctive need to protect her from whatever harm came her way. Maybe it was a little bit of both.

“Agent Pierce?” the familiar soft voice of Evelyn Martin broke into his thoughts, bringing him back to reality.

“Evelyn…how can I help you?” he replied, chastising himself for allowing this slip in concentration so that he didn’t even notice the young woman’s approach. Maybe he did need some rest after all.

“If you have a free moment, Mrs. Logan would like to speak with you,” she informed him, slightly uncomfortable with this unusual request as her hands fidgeted at her sides. It was unlike the usually cool and collected Evelyn to be so nervous. What could be on her mind at this time? It probably was just her concern for Mrs. Logan’s well being.

“Of course,” he told her gently, following her back to the room. “Has the doctor been to see her?”

“Actually, he just finished taking her vitals. Everything appears to be fine…as long as she agrees to stay in bed and allow her body to rest.”

“That might be a problem,” Pierce replied before he could think better of it but was saved from having to explain the comment as they reached the door to Martha’s hospital room just in time. “Thank you, Evelyn. I shouldn‘t be long.”

“Of course, sir.”

Hesitating briefly outside, Aaron finally pulled himself together and opened the door to her room. He wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to see him about and he wasn’t quite sure it was his place to be alone with her in this room after her husband had just vacated the premises moments earlier. However, she had asked for him to come and he knew he could never refuse a request that came from her directly. He would just have to watch his words and actions very carefully…very carefully indeed.

Fortunately, she appeared to be resting when he entered the room. Even with her eyes closed, Aaron could not help but notice that she was truly a beautiful woman. Despite today’s events, she showed no outward signs of the ordeal she had went through. He was always amazed at how quickly she was able to recover from whatever traumatic event she experienced. This resilience was another characteristic he truly loved about her.

“You certainly didn’t waste any time getting here,” she finally spoke, a small smile gracing her lips as her eyes remained closed.

“I didn’t have far to go,” he replied, taking a seat beside her bed before turning to what was really on his mind. “How are you feeling?”

“As well as can be expected. The doctor has confined me to bed rest for the next few days so your job of protecting me has just gotten a whole lot easier. You won’t have to worry about me getting into trouble…at least until I leave this room.”

“You were never any trouble, Mrs. Logan,” he acknowledged but was careful to keep his tone level and professional. She was a married woman and his charge to protect. A professional distance must be observed at all times. And yet his heart went out to her as he noticed a slight trembling in her hands as they rested on the blanket around her waist. She wasn’t as put together as she appeared.

"Are you all right?" he finally asked, reluctantly breaking the comfortable silence that had fallen between them but understanding that she might need to talk things through. After all, had there really been anyone for her to speak with since the attack on the motorcade? Her husband had not really stayed that long…not long enough to give Martha the time that she needed. Once again, he found himself taking up the role that had been meant for someone else but had fallen to him because he was in the right time and place. It was almost like…fate was at work and who was he to stand in the way?

“You know, Aaron,” she began, biting her lip as she fought to maintain a brave face but found herself failing miserably. “I really haven’t had a chance to discuss what happened. So many things go through your mind…so many things that you want to say…but never have a chance to relate.”

“Have you talked to the President about this?”

“Charles?” she responded, a small ironic smile playing across her mouth. “No, my husband has more pressing concerns at the moment. I’m afraid I’m just as alone now as I was this morning. Nothing must disrupt that schedule of his…even when I need him most.”

“I’m sure he would be here if he could.”

“A year or two ago, I would agree with you, Aaron. However, after what I’ve been through, it’s getting harder and harder to believe that excuse. When I was at the warehouse, I thought I knew exactly what was wrong with our marriage and how I was finally going to make some changes. I vowed that I wouldn’t allow everything to go on as business as usual, that I would finally speak my mind.”

“And now?” he asked her gently, observing that her arms were tightly held across her chest as she looked away from him.

“Now? I just don’t know anymore, Aaron. I truly don’t know. I woke up from surgery and there he was…waiting for me…for once in my life, he was right where I wanted…where I needed him to be. How could I tell him how unhappy I was with our marriage when he finally came through for me? Not only that, I could see he needed me as all the guilt and the pain he had went through during my capture could be seen in the drawn lines around his eyes and the tremor in his voice. I couldn’t leave him like that, I just couldn’t. So I forgave him…just like I always have. Why couldn’t I say something? Why couldn’t I just tell him the truth?”

“Because you love him,” he told her simply, watching her turn to face him with astonished eyes as she tried to refute his statement.

“I thought I did, Aaron, but now…I’m just not so sure,” she finally said, her voice trailing off before she looked into his eyes again. “Well, I didn’t call you in here so you would listen to my marriage problems. I wanted to personally thank you for saving my life. I don't believe…in fact, I know I would not have survived without you."

"You're stronger than you realize, Mrs. Logan. I'm sure you would have been fine."

"Is that your professional opinion or your personal one?" she teased him, her eyes sparkling as she noticed his discomfort.

"That is my honest opinion."

"How do you do that?" she asked him, the full warmth of her smile turned in his direction.

 

"What do you mean?" he replied, a hint of confusion in his normally composed blue eyes.

"How do you manage to come off as both charming and authoritative without giving me a single straight answer? If you ever leave the Secret Service, Aaron, I'm pretty sure you could find a job in politics."

"With all due respect, ma'am, I have no desire to run for public office."

"I don't blame you, Aaron," she whispered, looking away for the first time. "I wouldn't wish this life on anyone."

"And some would give up everything they had to be in your place, Mrs. Logan. Just for the opportunity to make a difference and change the world."

"Well, obviously those people do not know what they’re asking for…or they would realize what a lonely life I lead. Thousands of people who strive for your attention but not a single person you can trust. All the power in the world to effect changes abroad but not enough time to deal with what matters most. They do not understand that privacy becomes a luxury and just having a moment alone with your husband is worth more than diamonds," she explained, still not looking at him as a small smile began to appear. "Are you married, Aaron?"

"I was...a few years ago."

"Were you happy?"

"I was never unhappy," he told her simply but as he sensed there was something more she wanted from his answer he added the following. "However, my wife wanted more than I could give. I tried to work it out but she was not willing to wait so…I gave her what she wanted most…another chance at happiness…with someone else.”

"I'm sorry to hear that, Aaron. I could never see why any woman would leave your side. You‘re patient, kind, and understanding. Your wife must not have been able to see that."

"That was never the problem. It was my job and the long hours away from her. During this time in our marriage, there were a number of threats on President Palmer's life and I had to make a choice: which was more important? The country or her? The decision wasn't easy and I chose to protect President Palmer because I believed she would understand that my duty to my country came first. And though it cost me dearly to make this choice, even in hindsight I believe I did the right thing. I just wish I had had more time to explain this to her."

"I'm sure you did the best you could," Martha reassured him, enjoying his unexpected openness on his part concerning his private life. "Aaron...I know this is a little forward of me to ask but I want to know something…the terrorists put Charles in an impossible position but if it had been your call…would you have allowed the motorcade attack to happen?

"Mrs. Logan...it really isn't my place to say."

"I know it isn't, Aaron, but as a friend, I'm asking for your opinion.”

"Then as a friend, Mrs. Logan, I am telling you…I cannot give an answer on a decision that is not mine to make."

"Don't play these word games with me, Aaron. I want to know...I need to know what you would do."

"You're asking me for something I cannot give. It is my duty to protect the President and I will not say anything that would disrespect the office that I serve."

"So you would honestly allow the woman you love to die? Would all those years together mean absolutely nothing to you? My god, Aaron, I thought I knew you better than that."

"If you truly believe that is how I would base my decision, then I would say you don't know me very well," he replied, not afraid of the hurt expression that came over her eyes as she looked away again. "Let me explain something to you, Mrs. Logan. I loved my wife and there was nothing I wouldn't do for her. However, there comes a time in a man's life when he must decide what is more important: the future of this country or the future of his marriage. If the decision was mine, then I would hope my wife had enough faith in me to trust my judgment and understand that sometimes a personal sacrifice must be made for the good of the country.”

“And if she didn’t understand?” Martha quietly asked, voicing what had been bothering her ever since Charles had decided to not call back the motorcade.

"Then I would not stand in her way if she chose to end our relationship. I would not be so selfish as to keep her in a marriage that does not make her happy. I would hope she would give me time to explain my actions but if she could not do this, I would understand. Her happiness is what would matter most to me."

"Why did you stay, Aaron?” Martha finally challenged him, breaking all protocols as she revealed what had been foremost in her thoughts ever since he entered the room. “There was no need to after I arrived at the hospital. I'm sure you could have made your report back at the Retreat and have gotten someone else to relieve you. Why did you not leave when you had a chance?"

"Because I didn't want to you to be alone," he told her quietly, realizing too late that he had said too much but rewarded nonetheless by the pleasantly surprised expression in her eyes. "I should be checking on the next detail coming in from the Retreat. If you'll excuse me, Mrs. Logan..."

However, before he had taken a single step toward the door, he suddenly found her hand reaching out for his as she made one last request, "Stay with me, Aaron...just like you did so many years ago. After everything I've went through today, I would just feel better knowing someone is here...if Charles had stayed...I wouldn‘t be asking now…"

Every instinct told him this was a mistake…that if he complied with her request he would be starting down a path that could lead to heartache and disappointment. He had been here before and he knew where this would lead…and yet. His heart told him that she needed him now….his feelings were not important…what mattered was her well being. Hadn’t she been through enough already? Who was he to say no when he could be there to lighten that weight off her shoulders? How could he ever refuse her?

“All right, Martha…,” he finally gave in, slowly taking his seat once more as she laid back against the pillows and closed her eyes.

"Thank you, Aaron" she asked, her voice dropping to a whisper as she tried to get some much needed rest. “You never let me down. No matter what I ask of you…you never let me down.”

"And I never will," he murmured to himself, too low for her to overhear as he once more found himself fighting feelings he should not have had in the first place. Fortunately he was saved from dwelling on these conflicting emotions for too long by his vibrating phone. Glancing over to make sure Martha had finally fallen asleep, he moved as quietly as possible out of the room to answer the call. The number seemed very familiar from the brief glance he had seen when he took the call.

“This is Pierce,” he finally spoke after closing the door to her room behind him and nodding at the other agent on duty as he walked down the hall for some privacy.

“Aaron? This is Wayne Palmer. I need to talk to you as soon as possible.”

“Now is not exactly the best time to meet, Mr. Palmer. Perhaps tomorrow…”

“Tomorrow will be too late, Aaron. I need to see you tonight. Are you at the Presidential Retreat?”

“No. Mrs. Logan had to be admitted to County General and I am still on her detail till my replacement arrives. Can you tell me now what you need?”

“No, this is too important to be relayed by phone. I need to see you in person. You said Mrs. Logan was at the hospital…do you know if Evelyn Martin is still there?”

“I believe so…we just spoke a few moments ago. However, she is due to leave for the evening very shortly. Is there something I should know?”

“I’ll explain when I get there, Aaron. I promise. Just don’t let Evelyn leave the building. I should be at your location in ten minutes.”

“I’ll be waiting,” the veteran Secret Service agent assured him before closing his phone and placing it back in his suit pocket. What could be so important that Wayne Palmer could not tell him over the phone? And what did Evelyn Martin have do with it? At any rate, he trusted Wayne like he had trusted David. He would find Ms. Martin and ask her to wait for Palmer’s arrival and then he would find out what exactly was going on.

Why do I get the feeling that this is just the beginning?

 

 

So I have icons for your tomorrow...just a few as I try tutorials out!  Hope you like them!

Now that Charles is gone...let's fine somewhere private to talk things over, Mike *wicked grin*