After Afterall

6

I don't really expect to make it past the first gate of the White House because the whole idea that I'd be invited in is preposterous. But when I walk up and show my ID, the guard allows me in. "Just follow the driveway to the second check point," he instructs and I do. The second guard is nicer. I guess the first guard is used to turning people away, but the second guard is friendly and welcoming.

The second guard, whose name badge reads F. Carter, begins chatting me up. "So you're the doctor that saved the President," he says while leaning out his window. I back up subtly because his face is so damn close. He smiles wide. "You're a hero."

"I was just doing my job."

F. Carter shakes his head. "No, you're a true hero. I would've just died if the Vice President had taken the President's spot. Just five days with the guy and we were all miserable."

I read reports last night of the Vice President's five days as acting President and most everyone seems to agree with F. Carter. He acted more like he'd been elected as the Commander-in-Chief and barely made any mention of President Shepherd. Since his release yesterday, the President regained his control and the Vice President now sits comfortably at second tier, where he should be.

Early this morning, the President gave a speech from the Briefing Room. I was happy he waited a day, resting before addressing the nation. He still looked a bit sickly when he took the podium, but I don't think many people could see the pain in his eyes except for me. He walked with purpose and addressed the nation with a smile on his face. "After a tireless effort from the good people at Georgetown University Hospital, and a strict ban on all work during the five days I recovered after my surgery, I am happy to say I am doing very well.

"The medical team, including the Chief of Surgery Richard Webber and my surgeon, Doctor Meredith Grey, took the best of care of me. I am happy to announce I was released and am still under doctors' watchful eyes here in the White House. I believe this incident, and my hospital stay, are going to be the beginning conversations for both gun laws and our medical care system.

"As to my assassin, Dennis Walker," he paused here and I could almost hear the sadness in his voice. "I considered Dennis a trustworthy person and an exemplary agent. Most importantly, I considered him a friend. The pain from the two bullets he shot into my abdomen pale in comparison to the feeling of being duped by a trusted member of my staff. I want to clearly express that I trust the remaining staff I have. Despite Walker's feelings towards my platforms, I do promise to be a good and fair president for those who voted for me and those who did not.

"No man, wielding a gun, his fists, or his words, will rock this administration again. Thank you."

Ever since this morning, the speech has been replayed again and again. It's a good speech from a strong man who will not back down. The people who voted for him can celebrate today for choosing a president who represents exactly what we need: strength, perseverance, and determination.

Eventually F. Carter gets a call on his walkie talkie and he sends me in, telling me where to go. When I reach the door pointed out to me, two Secret Service agents are waiting for me. They give me a brief pat-down and then lead me inside the White House. I then walk through a metal detector and my purse is searched. Afterwards, I'm given a name badge and led down a long corridor by an agent.

The hallways are lined with portraits of all the Presidents and the First Ladies. Paintings of the White House throughout the years warm the hallway. We turn down another hallway which has more modern pictures of the Presidents. I notice the White House is busy with people walking around, talking in pairs, glancing in my direction. I pass people wearing suits and I feel out of place in my jeans.