By Heidi H.
Disclaimers: These are not my characters and I am
making any money off of them. “Pretty Woman”
doesn’t belong to me either.
Ratings Info-friendship, Donna mixes alcohol and
medicine, Sam/Donna
Donna felt horrible and just wanted to go home
and sleep. She had caught Ginger’s cold, who in
turn had caught it from a guy in the Travel Office.
She couldn’t go home yet. Donna had to put an
appearance in with Josh at a reception for talk
radio hosts. She also knew that the rest of the
senior staff would be there and that she would have
to mingle and smile with them for the cameras.
“Donna, let’s go and get this thing over
with.” Josh said, coming out of his office.
Donna popped two cold pills into her mouth as
Josh walked up to her desk.
“What are you taking?” Josh asked, concern
lacing his voice.
“It’s cold medicine. I’ve had a cold for the
past week and I don’t feel good.” Donna said.
“We only have to put an appearance in and then
you can go home.” Josh said.
“Thanks.” Donna said.
They both walked into the party. Josh went to
talk with Sam and Toby, while Donna made a bee line
for Margaret and Ginger.
“We might have a problem.” CJ said striding
over to where the guys were standing.
“What problem?” Sam asked.
“Donna” CJ said.
“Why? What’s wrong with Donna?” Josh asked,
scanning the room for his assistant.
“She looks like she’s ready to come unglued or
pass out.” CJ said.
Donna was standing at the bar with a drink in one
hand and talking to some guys. She was smiling
brightly, her face was white as a ghost, and
swaying back and fourth.
“She can’t be drunk.” Toby half said/asked,
incredulously.
“She’s drinking after taking cold medicine.
She needs to have her head examined.” Josh said.
“We need to get her out of her before something
happens.” CJ said, snapping into damage control,
Press Secretary mode.
The group started to walk over to where Donna was
standing, in case they had to help out. Then all
holy hell broke loose.
Donna took two steps away from the bar with her
glass in hand, swayed, and collapsed on the floor.
The sound of breaking glass peaked many
reporter’s curiosity. It wasn’t everyday that you saw the
white house deputy chief of staff’s assistant
passing out with a drink in her hand.
Josh was the first to reach Donna. He checked
her out and made sure that she was still breathing
and called for a doctor.
Abbey Bartlett was talking with friends when she
heard the call for a doctor. She quickly hurried
over to where Donna was lying on the floor
surrounded by her husband’s senior staff members.
“What happened?” Abbey asked.
“She mixed cold medicine with alcohol.” Josh
explained and filled in some more details.
“Ok. She needs to go to the hospital and get
checked out. I don’t think there is anything to
worry about, but I want to be sure.” Abbey told
the staff.
CJ headed for her office, followed by Sam and
Toby. They had to deal with the reporters and a
stop a possible story from spreading.
Josh went to the hospital with Abbey and Donna.
They were both sitting by her bedside when Donna
came back to the land of the living. She glanced
around the room and her gaze finally settled on
Abbey Bartlett.
“Welcome back, Donna.” Abbey said.
“Why am I in the hospital? What happened?”
Donna asked, dreading the answer.
“You mixed alcohol and a prescription.” Josh
said.
“Oh, God. What happened?” Donna asked putting
her hands over her face.
“You were swaying and passed out at the party.”
Abbey explained.
“Did anyone else see....” Donna asked.
“Yes, there were reporters there who saw what
happened. CJ is addressing that in a press
briefing now to clear up any misconceptions.” Josh
said.
“What did the doctor say?” Donna asked Abbey.
“He said that your severe cold, mild
dehydration, fever, lack of sleep, cold medicine, and
alcohol overwhelmed your system. He also pointed out
that you would have passed out eventually,
without alcohol. You are very sick.” Abbey said,
concern lacing her voice.
“When can I go home?” Donna asked.
“The doctor is keeping you here overnight to
get you re-hydrated and make sure you don’t have
anymore reactions.” Abbey explained.
“Ok” Donna said.
“Josh, could you please step outside? I need
to talk to Donna alone for a few minutes as a
doctor.” Abbey asked him.
“Sure, no problem.” Josh said and stepped out
into the hall.
“Donna, we need to seriously talk. This was
very dangerous. You can’t mix alcohol and cold
medicine.” Abbey said.
“I know. I didn’t even think about the cold
medicine and alcohol together. It was stupid and I
have had a lot of other things on my mind
lately.” Donna said.
“I know about the other injuries. I also know
who it was” Abbey explained and saw the look that
crossed Donna’s face.
“How and who else knows?” Donna asked.
“The doctors and me. That’s it and they won’t
break medical confidentiality. The doctors don’t
know who it was, though. That’s only me.” Abbey
reassured Donna.
“How did you know who it was?” Donna asked.
“It was easy. You can’t look at Sam or even
stand to be in the same room with him. You keep
your distance from him at all times. That morning,
you looked like hell when you got into work.
Also because Sam came in wearing shades and stayed
in his office all day. That’s when I knew that
something was up and things weren’t right between
the two of you. Just lately, you have avoided
going out with the staff and haven’t gone on two of
the trips, even though Josh wanted you there.”
Abbey explained to her.
“It wasn’t supposed to happen.” Donna said.
“You’ve been through a lot lately. Why don’t
you rest and we can talk when you’re out of the
hospital and we will talk. Please consider going
to the crisis center, they do have people who
specialize in this kinda thing.” Abbey said.
“Mrs. Bartlett, I just can’t show up at a
women’s crisis center and tell them that my boss’ best
friend assaulted me while he was drunk.” Donna
said, already on the verge of tears.
“Then you come see me in the residence. I can
try to help you. You need to talk to someone and
this way, you get to keep your privacy and still
talk out all of the feelings you are
experiencing.” Abbey told her.
“Thank you” Donna said, yawning.
“I think I’ll send Josh back in before you go
down for the count.” Abbey gave her a hug and
opened the door.
“Josh, we’re done now. Donna is going to soon
be asleep.” Abbey said.
Josh and Abbey said goodbye and Josh came back
into her room and sat down next to her bed.
“Thanks for staying.” Donna said.
“No problem.” Josh said.
“Don’t you have to get back to work? You have
that education meeting tomorrow.” Donna said.
“Toby and Sam are taking that meeting and the
rest of them tomorrow. I am going to make sure
that my assistant gets her rest before coming back
to work. You are off for the rest of the week.”
Josh said with a smile.
“I can’t take a week off. You are going to
need my help.” Donna said.
“No, I need an assistant who is well enough to
work and you aren’t right now.” Josh said.
“Thanks for giving me the time off. I am going
to need it.” Donna said and drifted off to sleep.
Josh was puzzled by her last statement about
needing time off. He figured that she would tell him
whatever when the time was right.
Josh stopped CJ in the halls later that night.
“I wanted to ask you about the press.” Josh
said.
“Everyone understood that she was sick and had
a reaction to some medicine that she was taking.
It won’t appear in any of the papers, but the
tabloids could still pick it up and Lillienfield is
bound to use this in his moral campaign against
us.” CJ explained.
“I’ll let Donna know about everything when I
pick her up tomorrow.” Josh said.
“How is she?” CJ asked, worried about her
friend and confidant.
“She had a severe cold, worse than she
suspected. The drs are keeping her overnight for
observation. I gave her the rest of the week off” Josh
explained.
“What are you doing for an assistant?” CJ
asked.
“I am borrowing Bonnie from Toby.” Josh said.
Josh arrived at the hospital early to pick up
Donna. He walked into her room and found her
chatting with an unfamiliar woman. They had been
talking and stopped when he entered the room. Donna
tensed up and the woman squeezed her hand and left
the room.
“Who was that and what was that about?” Josh
asked.
“Nothing.” Donna said in a tone that told Josh
to leave it alone.
Josh wisely dropped it and waited for the dr. to
release Donna. After signing all of the papers
and making some follow up appointments, she was
ready to go home. Josh got her up to the apartment
and left.
Donna heard a knock on the door and looked out
the peephole. It was Ginger.
“Hi. What are you doing here?” Donna asked.
“I am on my lunch hour and thought I’d come
visit the sickie.” Ginger replied in a dry tone.
“I am glad that you came to visit.” Donna
said.
“Well, I also wanted to talk to you about
something that is bothering me.” Ginger said.
“What is bothering you?” Donna asked.
“You and Sam.” Ginger said.
“What about me and Sam?” Donna asked.
“I have noticed that things are different
between you two. You rarely look at him, much less
speak to him. I also know that you enjoy hanging
out with the senior staff and haven’t been doing
much of that lately. Plus the fact that you love
the trips and refused to go to Chicago and
Mexico. I also know that you threatened to quit to Leo
if Josh made you go.” Ginger explained.
“How did you know all that?” Donna asked.
“I am observant and I hear the gossip that is
around. Donna, did something happen between you
and Sam and this is the fallout from a one night
stand?” Ginger asked.
“There was definitely no one night stand or
anything like that. Sam just gets on my nerves and
it has been worse lately. As for the trips, I
had some other things going on and just didn’t want
to go and Josh refused to listen to me.” Donna
said.
“My break is almost over and I need to get
back. I hope you feel better and are back with us
soon.” Ginger said.
She couldn’t believe that Ginger and probably the
other assistants knew that she had a problem with
Sam. This had to be resolved before it got too
noticeable and she was out of a job. Donna sat
down and debated whether or not to go and see
Abbey. She knew that she could trust Abbey, but it
felt funny to possibly confide in someone else
about the assault. Donna thought back to the night
that had started out so simply.
They had all been out drinking after a very hard
week. CJ had ended up taking Josh and Toby home,
while Donna took Sam home. He had gotten
completely smashed and kept hitting on her at the bar.
She had heard every pick up line known to man and
then some. Donna kept having to avoid Sam’s
wandering hands. Everyone else had gotten a huge
laugh out of it and Donna thought it was cute that
her boss’ best friend was trying to get her to go
home with him.
Donna managed to get to Sam’s apartment with
little trouble, even though he kept trying to touch
her suggestively while she was driving. She
unlocked the door to the apartment and helped Sam
inside. Donna turned around to shut the door and
leave when Sam snagged an arm around her and pulled
her back into the apartment. She began to feel
more uncomfortable and tried to get his arm off
her waist. Sam picked up on what she was doing and
tightened his grip on her waist. Donna had
fought, but Sam was too strong.
The next thing she knew was that Sam had pulled
her into the bedroom and locked the door. He
shoved her down on the bed and tried to unbutton her
shirt. Donna tried to push him away but he
caught her wrists and held them above her head while
he removed her clothing. Donna pulled her leg up
and kicked him hard. Sam responded by slapping
her across the face and tying her wrists with the
discarded shirt to the headboard. Donna had
begged and pleaded for him not to do this, but to no
avail. Sam had raped her repeatedly that night.
The next morning was hell for both of them.
Donna had cried and sobbed all night long and she
hurt badly. Sam couldn’t even look at her when he
woke up and she knew that he remembered everything
in his sober state. They never talked after that
night about anything. Donna learned how to
become a politician. She put on her smile and worked
through the lies and pain and betrayal.
She had gone to a clinic in another town to be
checked out and make sure that she wasn’t badly
injured from the repeated rapes. Donna told no one
because of fear. She was afraid of what a rape
charge and trial would do to the administration.
She didn’t want to hurt the presidency because
she couldn’t fight off an attacker. She didn’t
want Josh to loose his best friend. She didn’t want
Sam to loose his job. She didn’t want CJ to have
to spin it in the press. She didn’t want to
loose her job or be reassigned because of what
happened. She worried about everything and everybody
else before herself. Maybe talking to Abbey about
her fears would lessen the pain and burdens that
she felt.
The week that Josh had given to her off went by
very quickly and she was soon back at her desk
doing the job that she loved with all of her heart.
Donna decided that she was going to see Abbey and
talk.
“Hello. Josh Lyman’s office.” Donna answered
the ringing phone.
“Donna, it’s Abbey. I am free if you want to
talk to me.” Abbey said.
“Yes, I need to talk to you and now is fine.”
Donna said.
“Meet me in the Mural Room and we will then go
up to the residence.” Abbey said.
Donna left the needed files on Josh’s desk and
walked to the mural room.
“Mrs. Bartlett, thank you for taking the time
to talk to me.” Donna said.
“It’s not a problem and you need to talk before
things get too big for you to handle.” Abbey
said.
“Where should I start?” Donna asked, unsure of
what Abbey wanted her to say.
“Why don’t you tell me about that night?”
Abbey said.
“Well, it had been a long week, so we headed
for the bar in Georgetown and the guys got smashed.
CJ and I were the only ones not drinking because
we figured that the guys would need rides home.”
Donna explained.
“You were the one who took Sam home, right?”
Abbey asked.
“Yeah, I did.” Donna said.
“Why don’t you tell me about Sam’s actions?”
Abbey asked.
“Well, things had gotten weird between us. Sam
seemed to hang out more at Josh’s office and more
at my desk. He seemed to be taking more of an
interest in me, as a woman, not just as a friend.
It was making me uncomfortable to be around him.”
Donna explained, looking down at the floor.
“What happened at the bar?” Abbey asked.
“Sam sat down next to me and Josh. They were
having a drinking contest. Sam kept trying out
pick up lines on me to get me to go home with him.
Everyone thought it was cute.” Donna said.
“Did anything else happen at the bar that made
you feel uncomfortable to be around Sam?” Abbey
asked.
“He couldn’t keep his hands to himself and I
had to fend them off.” Donna said.
“What happened when you left the bar?” Abbey
asked.
“I got him back to the car and headed for his
place. He still kept trying to touch me.” Donna
said.
“What happened when you got back to the
apartment?” Abbey asked.
“I got him home and was getting ready to leave
when he snagged an arm around my waist and pulled
me back into the apartment. I tried to get his
arm off but it didn’t work.” Donna said.
At the same time, Sam was in Toby’s office
looking for advice and guidance. He couldn’t believe
that he had assaulted Donna in a drunken rage. It
had been a bad week and he went for the closest
thing at the time, which had been Donna.
“Toby, are you busy?” Sam asked.
“Yes, very much so. What do you need?” Toby
asked.
“I need advice on a woman problem.” Sam said.
“Close the door.” Toby said.
Sam closed the door and sat down on the couch,
waiting for his boss to speak again.
“What did you do, sleep with another call
girl?” Toby asked.
“No, but something even worse.” Sam said.
“What happened?” Toby asked, with concern.
“I might have ruined someone’s life.” Sam
said.
“What the hell did you do that might have
ruined someone’s life?” Toby asked.
“Remember the night that we all went out and
got drunk?” Sam asked.
“Oh yeah, that was the night that you wouldn’t
leave Donna alone and tried out the famous
Seaborn charm.” Toby said.
“Donna took me home that night, too.” Sam said
slowly.
“What the hell did you do to Donna?” Toby
asked, clearly getting the picture.
“I had forced sex with her while I was drunk.”
Sam said.
Toby sat there in shock at what he had just
heard. His deputy had raped, assaulted, attacked the
assistant of his best friend. Toby couldn’t
believe that Sam was capable of hurting a fly, but
had just admitted to raping a co-worker. Toby put
his head in his hands and thought about what they
were going to do to fix this situation.
“Go back to your office and finish working on
that speech for the teacher’s union.” Toby said.
“What about this thing?” Sam asked.
“I need some time to work on it. Fair warning
though, you may not have a job or a life if Donna
chooses to press charges. You also may not have
any friends left over this.” Toby finished.
“But you’ll look into things?” Sam asked his
boss.
“Yeah, I’ll make a few discrete inquiries and
try to fix it, but I’m not promising anything.”
Toby said.
Sam left Toby’s office and went back to his own.
This was going to be hell for him and then he
remembered that Donna had been going through her own
kind of private hell.
Donna walked back to her desk after talking with
Abbey. Things felt better now that she had
talked to someone about what she was going through.
It was going to take more time, but things were
looking better.
“Hello. Josh Lyman’s office.” Donna answered
the phone.
“Donna, it’s Toby. I need to speak with you
about something important. Can you come over to my
office right now?” Toby asked.
“Of course. I will be there in a few minutes.”
Donna said.
“Good” Toby said and hung up the phone.
He felt like he had to fix things. Sam and Donna
were friends and he couldn’t stand the pain that
they were both going through right now.
Donna walked to Toby’s office and knocked on the
door. It was opened immediately and Toby ushered
her inside.
“Donna, what is going on between you and Sam?”
Toby asked.
“Nothing” Donna answered noncommittally.
“That is bull and we both know it. I can
illustrate that there is a problem between you two
with plenty of evidence.” Toby said.
“Sam has just been getting on my nerves as well
as everyone else around here lately.” Donna
answered and gave him a very pointed look.
“I beg to differ. You won’t talk to or look at
Sam these days. You won’t hang out with the
senior staff and I know how much you enjoy that. You
refused to go on the last two trips with us.
Please tell me what is going on?” Toby asked her.
“What do you know?” Donna asked.
“I pretty much know that there was an attack of
some kind, but no details about it.” Toby told
her.
“Do you know who it was?” Donna asked.
“Yeah, he came and admitted it to me earlier in
the day.” Toby said.
“I don’t know what you want me to say. It
happened and now we both have to live with it.”
Donna said.
‘I think that you and Sam need to talk about
this, face to face and get some things cleared up.”
Toby said.
“I can’t just walk into his office and say we
need to talk. I don’t want to get anyone else
involved in this, especially from work.” Donna
said.
“Who else knows about this?” Toby asked with
dread.
“You, me, Sam, and Mrs. Bartlett.” Donna said.
“How does the first lady know?” Toby asked.
“She figured it out when I was in the
hospital.” Donna explained.
“What did Abbey say about this?” Toby asked.
“She just wanted me to be able to talk about
this with someone.” Donna finished.
“This is what I am going to do. I am going to
put you and Sam in a room at the end of the day
and you will talk to each other.” Toby said.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Donna
said, hedging her bets.
“You either talk to him or be reassigned. It’s
your choice.” Toby said.
“Why would I be reassigned? Sam is the one who
committed the crime.” Donna said.
“That is very true, but if you wanted to press
charges, you would have done it already. As for
being reassigned, Josh needs an assistant that
can talk to other members of the senior staff
comfortably and go on the trips.” Toby said.
“I understand. Just let me know when and
where.” Donna said resignedly to the fates that would
be.
“Good. Go back to work.” Toby said.
Donna walked back to her own desk and sat down.
It was going to be uncomfortable to talk to Sam,
but she loved her job and the people here. She
had to face her fears and talk to her friend, the
same friend who had repeatedly raped her.
Donna was planning Josh’s schedule when an aide
handed her a sealed envelope that contained a
folded piece of paper.
The note was from Toby. It said:
Meeting is for 6 p.m.
Come to my office and we will go to the place
It’s just you and Sam in a room talking things
out
She was not happy about facing her rapist, but it
had to be done, so that they could both move on.
Donna kept watching the clock for the rest of the
day. When the clock finally said, 5:45.....she
put away the files that she was working on and
headed for Toby’s office. She passed by Sam’s
office and noticed that the lights were out. He was
probably waiting for her in the place.
She lightly knocked on the door and it was
quickly opened by Toby.
“Come on in. I was just getting some stuff
together.” Toby said.
“Not a problem. Take all the time you need.”
Donna said.
“You two are going to get things figured out
and settled tonight.” Toby said in a no nonsense
tone.
Toby finished get his things together and
motioned for Donna to follow him. Toby took her into
the sub basement that was rarely used for anything
these days.
He opened a door and lead her into the room. The
room was small, but had a homey feel with a couch
and chair and lamp that bathed the small room in
little light. Sam was already there when Donna
and Toby walked into the room. He immediately
stood up as they entered the room.
Donna stiffly sat in the chair. She hadn’t
looked at Sam since entering the room. She focused
her eyes everywhere else.
Toby noticed the stifling silence in the room and
began to speak.
“Ok, this is what is going to happen here. You
are both going to talk to each other about what
happened and where to go from this point. There
will be some type of resolution made before you
leave this room tonight, rather it be to press
assault charges or let things drop. You guys have
all night to talk, but first thing tomorrow
morning, I want some type of an answer. Understood?”
Toby asked.
“Yes, I understand.” Donna said.
“I understand, too.” Sam said.
Toby looked at both of them and left the room.
He hoped that they would both come to their senses
and talk to each other. Donna couldn’t keep it
bottled up any longer and Sam needed to talk to
her and tell her the reasons why it happened.
Donna brought herself to look at Sam and he was
looking at her very intently. She immediately
shifted her glance to the floor.
“Are you ok?” Sam asked her.
“No” Donna replied.
“What’s wrong?” Sam asked.
“You raped me. Not just once, but several
times that night. You tied my wrists to the bedpost,
so I couldn’t get away. That’s what’s wrong.”
Donna said.
“Please believe me when I tell you that I am so
sorry for what happened. I would have never done
anything like that to you.” Sam said.
“An apology is supposed to make it better?
Well it doesn’t make anything better. You want the
cold, hard facts about what’s wrong, fine , I’ll
tell you. I thought I was doing a nice thing by
taking a friend home when he was too drunk to get
there by himself. That nice friend, snagged an
arm against my waist and pulled me back inside his
apartment and then dragged me into his bedroom
and locked the door.” Donna said and stopped for a
moment and then she geared back up.
“After that nice friend locked the door, he
shoved me down on the bed and started unbuttoning my
shirt. When I shoved him off of me, he grabbed
my hands and held them above my head and finished
taking my clothes off. When I kept resisting and
kicked him, he slapped me across the face and
tied my wrists to the headboard with my shirt. Then
that nice friend raped me for the first time and
continued to rape me through the night without
caring about my health or safety. I was raped,
sodomized, and battered for more than 6 hours. You
know what that nice friend forgot, protection. I
was left to wonder if I would get pregnant or
catch any diseases. Do you know what that is
like....all that worrying and not able to ask you if
you have any diseases that I could catch?” Donna
said.
“I am so sorry that I put you through all that
Donna.” Sam said.
“The rape wasn’t the worst part. The worst
parts came later when I went to a clinic to get
checked out. They put me through all kinds of tests
and a humiliating exam to make sure that there
was nothing wrong with me. The doctors told me
that there were multiple contusions all over my body
along with scratches, bite marks, and severe
bruising. They said that I was lucky to escape with
so little damage. The doctor that did the
initial exam told me that the attack could have been
something she would have seen in a war torn
country. She was shocked at the violence of the attack
and so was I. It is every woman’s worst fear and
you brought that fear to life. They were telling
me that I was damaged. Do you know how that
feels? I felt so horrible that I couldn’t tell the
police who it was when they asked if I wanted to
press charges. I lied and told them it was a
stranger. I wanted to be able to talk to my friends
and tell them that I was raped, but I couldn’t.
I ended up becoming a suave politician. I
learned how to smile through the lies and pain.” Donna
finished.
“I didn’t realize how much pain I put you
through. I do want you to know that I don’t have any
diseases and if you are pregnant, we will
together deal with it.” Sam said, holding her hand.
“I’m not pregnant for sure, so that’s one less
thing that we have to worry about.” Donna said.
“I can’t say how sorry I am enough to you.”
Sam said
“Why did you do it?” Donna asked.
“It had been a bad week with the weapons bill
not passing and then the thing with my dad on top
of everything. I just reached out for the
nearest thing and that was you.” Sam told her.
“You couldn’t have just asked me to sleep with
you?” Donna asked.
“Would you have, if I had asked?” Sam asked
her.
“I don’t know. Maybe. Probably.” Donna said.
“Really? Because I got the impression that you
didn’t want to have anything to do with me before
the rape.” Sam said.
“The truth was, that I was uncomfortable around
you. You started hanging around Josh’s office
and hanging around my desk, even when Josh wasn’t
there.” Donna said.
“If it bothered you, why didn’t you say
something? I never meant to make you uncomfortable by
hanging out with you.” Sam said.
“Things were different between us. I started
feeling like you were more interested in me as a
woman, not as a friend. It was hard to not feel
uncomfortable.” Donna explained.
“Donna, I was, I am interested in you not just
as a friend, but as a woman and a potential love
interest.” Sam said.
Donna was rocked back on her heels. Sam had just
said that he was interested in her as a woman and
a possible girlfriend. It was such a surprise to
hear that, but the rape was a problem. At least
he had admitted to raping her and he did give her
an explanation.
“You want to date me? Why? I am hardly the
type you like?” Donna said.
“That is so not true. You are funny and smart.
When you have an opinion about something, you say
it. You don’t kowtow to anyone. You are
definitely the type of girl that I go for.” Sam said to
a still shocked Donna.
Donna was still stunned that Sam liked her and
thought that she was important and valuable and his
type. Things were certainly getting interesting
in that small room.
“Donna, are you planning to press charges?”
Sam asked, warily.
“If I wanted to press charges, I would have
already done it. I care too much about Josh to make
him loose respect for me and the friendship with
his best friend. I don’t want you to loose your
job because of a drunken mistake. I surely don’t
want to cause the administration any
embarrassment that a trial would cause. I am not pressing
charges now and I don’t ever plan to do it.” Donna
said.
“You mentioned Josh, so I assume that you
haven’t said anything to other people?” Sam asked.
“Well, several people do know what happened.”
Donna said.
“Who else knows?” Sam asked, stunned that
Donna would say anything.
“There’s the original doctor who treated me,
the doctors at GW when I passed out, Toby, and the
first lady.” Donna finished.
“How does the first lady know?” Sam asked
incredulously.
“She knew something was off between us and she
also saw my medical records at the hospital.”
Donna said.
“What did she have to say about things?” Sam
asked.
“She isn’t going to say anything because of
doctor-patient privilege. Mrs. Bartlett wanted me
to be able to talk to someone about what happened,
so I wouldn’t keep it all bottled up inside.”
Donna explained.
“I think that the people who already know
should be it.” Sam said.
“I’m not going to tell anyone else about what
happened. You are right. It should stay between
us.” Donna said.
“What happens from here?” Sam asked.
“It’s going to take some time for us to get
back to where we were. I need time to heal and
recover. Sam, I don’t want to hate you for this. I
understand what happened wasn’t anyone’s fault.”
Donna said.
“I hope that we can get to a place where we are
both happy and comfortable.” Sam said.
“I think we will get to that place.” Donna
said with a smile. The first real honest smile in a
long time.
“I’d really like to take you out for dinner.
Do you want to go to Caberats?” Sam asked.
“Yeah, I’d like that.” Donna said.
“Do you want to meet with Toby in the morning
together and tell him what we have come up with?”
Sam asked.
“I think it would be best to meet together and
talk to him. That way, he knows that we both
reached and agree to this decision.” Donna said.
The dinner at Caberats was nice. Donna was
actually able to look and speak to Sam without fear or
panic. Sam was glad that were able to get past
the rape and go back to being friends. It was
going to take time, but they had already taken the
first steps.
Donna saw the bouquet of red roses on her desk
the next morning. Josh wasn’t in yet, so the card
was still in the bouquet. She grabbed it and
opened it. The note inside read:
Thank you for forgiving me for the
unspeakable act
Remember we have a meeting with Toby at 9
this morning
There was no signature on the note, probably to
protect both their privacy. She needed to thank
Sam for the gesture. It was sweet without being
condescending.
“Good morning Donna. Who are the flowers
from?” Josh asked walking up to her desk.
“They are from a friend who owed me for helping
out. This is the thank you gesture.” Donna
said.
“They are cluttering up your desk and my
bullpen. Make sure you take them home tonight. Your
friend has good taste. Bring me my schedule for
today.” Josh said as he walked into the office.
She grabbed the schedule and followed her boss
into his office.
“Why don’t you tell me the truth about the
flowers? Who is the local gomer that sent them and
what did he do that he had to send you flowers?”
Josh asked.
“I told you they were from a friend and that’s
it. There is no new local gomer that I am
seeing.” Donna said.
“Whatever. What am I doing today.” Josh said.
After reading off his schedule, Josh headed for
the senior staff meeting and met up with Sam on
his way there.
“Hey, what’s up?” Sam asked.
“Donna got this very pretty bouquet of flowers
and won’t tell me who sent them. She keeps
saying they are from a friend who she helped out. “
Josh said.
“Well, Donna doesn’t lie, so what she told you
is probably the truth. I would drop it at that.”
Sam said.
“Wouldn’t you be interested if someone sent
your assistants flowers? And wouldn’t you want to
know who they are from?” Josh asked as they
walked along the hallway.
“No because I don’t butt into my assistant’s
personal life like you butt into Donna’s life.”
Sam said with a smile.
“I am going to investigate this cause I have to
know who this guy is?” Josh said deviously.
“Why don’t you leave Donna and the guy and the
flowers alone. If she wanted you to know, she
would have told you, so butt out.” Sam said and
walked into the staff meeting.
Josh was stunned that Sam wasn’t going to help
him discover who this guy was. Usually, Sam was
there wanting to help him with the local gomers, so
that Donna wouldn’t get hurt. Josh knew that
something was up between Sam and his assistant. He
immediately brushed it off because it was crazy
to think that his best friend and his assistant
were having a thing. Josh turned his focus back to
the staff meeting.
Donna walked to Toby’s office and saw that Sam
was already there. He jumped up and opened the
door for her. She flashed him a small smile.
“Thanks” Donna said.
“It’s no problem and you’re welcome.” Sam
said.
Toby knew that things were on the mend and
motioned for both of them to sit down.
“So what did you two decide to do about this
situation?” Toby asked.
“I won’t be pressing charges for the assault.”
Donna said.
“We decided that we need to keep this between
the four people who already know.” Sam added.
“What four people?” Toby asked.
“Donna, you, me, and the first lady.” Sam
supplied.
“So there are no charges to be filed and the
four people that know are keeping it a secret?”
Toby asked.
“Yeah and we are getting to the place where we
were before the attack.” Sam added to the
conversation.
“You are both ok with the decisions that have
been made?” Toby asked.
“Yes” came the response from both Sam and
Donna.
“OK then. Go back to work.” Toby said.
Sam was walking back to Donna’s desk when he
spoke.
“Would you like to have dinner again tonight?”
Sam asked.
“Sure, where?” Donna asked.
“I was thinking Gasalt for Italian. Is that ok
with you?” Sam asked.
“Gasalts is fine. How about 7?” Donna asked.
“7 is great. I’ll come get you when we are
ready to go.” Sam said and headed back to his own
office.
Donna sat down and thought about things. Sam had
brutally raped her and then admitted that she was
potential girlfriend material. It rocked her
back on her heels. Then the 4 hour discussion and
reveal last night was good. She was able to get
her anger out and direct it at the person
responsible. She had enjoyed herself during dinner. Sam
had not changed. He still let her talk and came
up with pretty good arguments. Donna woke up
that morning feeling like a weight had been lifted
off of her shoulders. Then this morning, the
flowers had been so sweet and unexpected and for the
first time she was smiling true smiles at her
co-workers and friends. Sam had asked her to dinner
for that night. Maybe things were getting back
on track after all.
“Ready to go?” Sam asked, coming up behind
her.
“Yeah, let me get my purse and I’ll be ready.”
Donna said.
Once they were out of the building, Sam held her
hand and she let him. It was nice to know that
things were getting back to normal and that they
were still friends.
“Dinner was excellent.” Donna said.
“Yes it was. I’ve forgotten how good the food
is here.” Sam said.
“Why don’t we walk off dinner?” Donna
suggested.
“That is a good idea. DC is great to look at
night.” Sam said.
They walked up to the Washington Monument and sat
down. Sam sat right next to Donna. He had
planned to do something all night and figured this was
as private as they were getting. Besides, if she
slapped him...it would be in private.
Sam leaned over and kissed her on the mouth.
Donna was shocked at first, but let him kiss her and
she was the one who deepened the kiss. They sat
there for hours it seemed just kissing softly.
Donna was the first one to break away.
“I hope that I didn’t overstep my bounds.” Sam
said.
“No, you didn’t, but it is getting late and I
have to be in early tomorrow morning.” Donna
said.
“Let’s go get the car and I will take you
home.” Sam said.
Sam helped her up and held her hand all the way
back to the car and then on the drive to her
apartment. They said goodbye at the door.
Donna sat down on her couch and thought about the
kiss. It was nice and gentle. Sam hadn’t gone
over the bounds or forced the kiss. She couldn’t
believe that this suave and sexy guy was
interested in her. She was just an assistant and a
college dropout. Sam had degrees and was smart, she
was a simple girl from the midwest. It was a
shock that she needed some time to deal with.
Donna picked up the phone and called in sick the
next morning. She rarely used her sick days, but
this was more of a mental health day. She needed
to sort out her feelings and figure out what to
do.
Sam was shocked to not see Donna at her desk. He
went to find Josh mulling over a large stack of
files.
“Hey. Where’s Donna?” Sam asked.
“She is taking a sick day.” Josh said.
“That is unusual. She never gets sick.” Sam
said.
“I know, but at least she emailed me all of the
pertinent information that I need for the day
along with a reassurance that she will be back
tomorrow, bright and early.” Josh said with a smile.
“Oh, okay then.” Sam said and turned to the
door.
“Hey, why are you so interested in where my
assistant is?” Josh asked peering curiously at Sam.
“I wondered if you had fired her again.” Sam
said hoping to non noticeably get out of the hole
he had dug himself into.
“Donna will never quit. She loves this too
much.” Josh said.
Sam left Josh’s office and went back to his own.
He knew that Donna wasn’t sick last night when he
dropped her off. Sam hoped that she wasn’t
regretting what had happened the previous night. He
decided that he would go over and find out what
was wrong at lunchtime.
Donna was enjoying her sick/mental health day
off. She got caught up on laundry and dishes,
cleaned the whole apartment, caught up on emails, and
watched some television. It was nice to sit in a
clean, quiet apartment in the middle of the day.
Someone was knocking at her door which was odd in
and of itself.
“Sam, what are you doing here?” Donna asked,
shocked to see him at her door.
“What’s wrong with you? Josh said that you
called in sick and you have never taken a sick day.”
Sam said.
“I am absolutely fine. I just needed to have a
day to myself to think things out.” Donna said.
“I hope you aren’t upset about last night. I
didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable or upset.”
Sam said shifting from foot to foot and not
looking directly at Donna.
“I am not upset or uncomfortable about what
happened last night. I wanted it just as much as
you did.” Donna said with a small smile and slight
blush to her cheeks.
“So you liked the kiss huh?” Sam asked with a
smile.
“Yes, the kiss was great. I am happy that we
are getting back to where we were.” Donna said.
“Since you are ok, why don’t you come over to
my place around 7 for dinner. We can order from
China Express.” Sam said.
“That would be fine. I will see you at 7
then.” Donna said.
Sam left the apartment and went back to work. He
hoped that the romantic evening that he had
planned all worked out.
He was able to pick up the food on the way home
which gave him time to set up for the romantic
evening that was planned. He got the dining room
table set up, put a romantic movie in the vcr, and
even had time to change into casual clothes
before Donna arrived.
Across town, there was another crisis of sorts in
preparing for that evening.
Donna’s newly cleaned bedroom looked like a war
zone. There were clothes all over the place.
Every outfit was either for work, play, or didn’t
fit right. She had been trying on outfits since
Sam had left that afternoon. Donna finally decided
on a green slip dress and gold jewelry. By the
time she was finished dressing, it was time to
leave for Sam’s.
Sam saw her pull into the parking lot and rushed
down to the doors to greet her. He gave her a
hug and small kiss on the forehead.
“Hey. You look great.” Sam said admiring the
dress.
“Thanks.” Donna said.
“Let’s go upstairs.” Sam said and guided her
up the steps.
Donna loved Sam’s apartment. It was always so
homey and even though the last time she was here,
he had raped her.....the apartment didn’t feel
bad or bring back those memories and that shocked
her. Donna had expected the memories or feelings
to hit her full force and was surprised when they
didn’t.
She saw the dining room was all set up and there
was soft love music playing from the stereo
system on the bookshelf.
“This place looks great. You didn’t have to do
this for me.” Donna said.
“Yes, I did. You deserve a romantic dinner.”
Sam said coming up behind her.
They both sat down at the table and began to eat
the food. They talked and laughed and smiled all
throughout dinner. It was a fun time for both of
them. After dinner, Sam guided her to the living
room couch.
“I got a movie, in case you wanted to watch
something.” Sam said.
“What did you get?” Donna asked.
“I got Pretty Woman” Sam said.
“I love that movie. Let’s watch it.” Donna
said.
Sam flicked the play button on the remote and the
movie began. Before they knew it, the movie was
already to the middle and Donna was resting her
head on his shoulder and his arm was around her
back. They were both so comfortable and just
enjoying each other.
Donna was enjoying laying on the couch so close
to Sam. He had raped her, but yet this was
comforting and nice. She shivered a little in the cold
room and Sam was covering both of them with the
blanket off of the couch.
By the time the movie ended, Donna was so sleepy
that she could barely keep her eyes open. Sam
noticed and was worried about her driving home.
“Donna, why don’t you stay here tonight?” Sam
asked.
“What?” Donna asked, thinking that she had not
heard him right.
“You are way too tired to drive home. You can
just leave early, so you can shower and change
before work.” Sam said.
“I don’t know about spending the night.” Donna
said with some hesitancy in her voice.
“I won’t try anything with you and you can
sleep in the bedroom. The door locks.” Sam said.
“Do you have something that I can wear to bed?”
Donna asked.
“Sure, I’ll grab you a tee shirt and some
sweats. I’ll be right back.” Sam said and
disappeared into the bedroom.
“Ok. The sweats are on the bed. Good night.”
Sam said and gave her a little kiss on the lips.
Donna went into the bedroom and changed her
clothes. She couldn’t believe that she was spending
the night in the apartment, in the room where one
of the worst things in her life had occurred.
Donna thought it was strange that the room was fine
and didn’t bring back any horrible memories. She
didn’t even lock the door, she felt that
comfortable with Sam now. She believed that he wouldn’t
try to hurt her again.
She slipped into bed and faded off to sleep. Sam
was drifting off to dream land on the couch in
the living room.
Donna woke up to the smell of coffee. She put
her green dress on and padded to the kitchen to
find Sam.
“How did you sleep?” Sam asked, as he handed
her a cup of hot coffee.
“I slept fine.” Donna said with a smile.
Sam and Donna finished coffee and he headed for
work and she headed home for a shower and a change
of clothes.
Donna approached the bullpen and was getting
curious looks as she passed by. When she got to her
desk, all of her questions were answered. There
was a bouquet of daisies on her desk. Josh was
trying to find a card. He hadn’t heard her walk
up.
“What do you think that you are doing?” Donna
asked.
“Nothing, just checking to see if the floral
people left instructions on how to care for the
flowers. Wouldn’t want you killing these off.”
Josh said with a smile and using misdirection to
distract her from what he really was doing.
“Leave my flowers alone. My friend knows how
you like to be nosy, so I told him not to send a
card.” Donna said with a smile.
“So it is a him. Another local gomer. I will
find out who it is you know.” Josh said.
“So, I have lots of male friends. You won’t
find out who it is.” Donna said with a knowing
smile.
Just then, Sam came strolling by the bullpen and
noticed the commotion around Donna’s desk.
“Hey guys.” Sam said.
“Hey. Look at the latest flowers that the
local gomer she is seeing sent her. This guy must
have it pretty bad for her or he screwed up in a
monumental way and is trying to make it up to her.”
Josh said.
“Donna, they are nice flowers and just ignore
Josh.” Sam said.
“Thanks, Sam. I usually ignore Josh when he
tries to mind my business. You guys are going to
be late for staff.” Donna said.
As soon as they were clear of the bullpen and
onlookers, Josh stopped and turned to face Sam.
“You could have backed me up back there with
Donna.” Josh said.
“Her personal life is just that, personal. Do
you want me to tell Leo that you are harassing
her again. I’m sure he can find a copy of the
white house sexual harassment policy that deals with
these kinds of situations.” Sam said.
“No way. I am just trying to keep her from
being hurt. I am her friend and I care about what
happens to her.” Josh said.
“This is one of those times that she has to
figure it out for herself.” Sam said and walked
into Leo’s office.
Donna was moving the latest flowers on her desk,
so she could work when Ginger walked up to her.
“Those are beautiful flowers. This guy must be
special. First it was roses and now daisies.”
Ginger said with a grin on her face.
“He is special.” Donna said with a smile on
her face.
“Anyway, I stopped by to tell you that we are
going to lunch because we need to talk about
thing.” Ginger said.
“What do we need to talk about?” Donna asked.
“About the person who sent the flowers. I know
who he is and if you won’t go to lunch, so we can
talk, I will march into Josh’s office and give
him all the details.” Ginger said.
“You wouldn’t dare.” Donna said.
“Watch me.” Ginger said and started for the
door of Josh’s office.
“Fine, we’ll go to lunch and talk, but promise
you won’t say anything to anyone.” Donna asked.
“I am not going to say anything. I’ll stop
back by when it is time to leave.” Ginger said and
left,
Donna knew that Ginger had figured some things
out. She knew that she could trust her and there
were things that Donna wanted to ask Ginger.
Donna got back to work and hoped that lunchtime
came and went, but to no avail. At 11:30, Ginger
came walking up to her desk.
“Let’s go.” Ginger said.
“Ok. Where are we going for lunch?” Donna
asked.
“Over to Remmies. It is private and won’t be
too crowded.” Ginger explained.
“That’s fine.” Donna said.
Once they got to the restaurant and ordered,
Ginger got down to business.
“How did you know the flowers were from Sam?”
Donna asked first.
“Well, Sam usually helps Josh in his quest to
find out about your latest local gomer. This
time threatened to tell Leo that Josh was harassing
you about the flowers and also mentioned
something about the sexual harassment policy.” Ginger
said.
“How do you know all of this?” Donna asked.
“I hear the gossip and you have been happier
and actually smiling at people and especially Sam.”
Ginger said.
“Yes, Sam and I are dating, but we want to keep
it private. Considering that Josh and Sam are
best friends and I am Josh’s assistant, there would
be problems there and Josh would freak out.”
Donna said.
“This is a delicate question, but are you
sleeping with him?” Ginger asked.
“No, we have just had a few dates and some
kisses. I don’t know if I am ready to sleep with
Sam.” Donna said.
“There is nothing wrong with taking it slow.”
Ginger said.
“I would love to sleep with him, but my
experience is limited. I had a steady guy in high
school and then there was Dr. Freeride in college.
There hasn’t really been anybody in that part of my
life since I joined the campaign.” Donna said.
“So, you’re worried that you won’t measure up
in Sam’s eyes?” Ginger asked.
“Yeah, think about it. He was engaged to Lisa
and then there were all the girls during the
campaign. There was also Laurie and Mallory. I can
never compete with those girls in looks or
education.” Donna said.
“I don’t think that Sam would expect you to
measure up to his previous girlfriends and if he
did, he would just be a jerk.” Ginger said.
“Where is the best place to buy specific
needs?” Donna asked.
“Okay, you mean condoms and stuff?” Ginger
asked with a smile.
“Yes” Donna replied, blushing.
“Hey, don’t be embarrassed. At least you are
getting prepared for all eventualities. I know a
place on 7th that sells those materials very
discretely. Since were done with lunch, let’s go
now.” Ginger said.
“Okay. Let’s go.” Donna said.
At the same time the girls were walking out of
the restaurant, Sam went into Toby’s office to ask
him about the same topic, sex.
“Are you busy?” Sam asked.
“Very much so. What do you want?” Toby asked.
“I wanted to talk to you about Donna.” Sam
said.
“Shut the door.” Toby said.
“What did you do to her now?” Toby asked.
“No, nothing. We have started seeing each
other socially and I need some advice to taking
things to the next level.” Sam said.
“So you haven’t slept together yet and want
some advice on how to do it?” Toby asked with an
amused smile crossing his face.
“I don’t want to hurt her again.” Sam said.
“I would think that you two need to talk about
sex. Find out her likes and dislikes when it
comes to the bedroom.” Toby said.
“I was thinking of planning the night at a
hotel, since the rape took place at my apartment.”
Sam said.
“This is why you and Donna need to talk. Let
her tell you where she is most comfortable. When
it gets to having sex, don’t pressure her into
anything and don’t do anything that happened in the
rape, like immobilizing her wrists so she can’t
move.” Toby said.
“I wouldn’t dream about pressuring her at this
point.” Sam said.
“Where are you with protection?” Toby asked.
“Well, I hadn’t really thought about that part
yet.” Sam said.
“You wanna have sex with Donna and haven’t
figured out about protection?” Toby exclaimed.
The sound of falling papers got both their
attentions and looked over to the door. There stood an
angry Josh.
“What the hell do you mean that you want to
have sex with my assistant?” Josh shouted at Sam.
“How long have you been standing there?” Toby
asked.
“Long enough to hear that my best friend wants
to sleep with my assistant and that will never
happen.” Josh shouted.
“Listen to me, Josh. Sam and Donna are
consenting adults and you can’t make their decisions for
them.” Toby said.
“I should have known when you wouldn’t help me
find out about her latest local gomer and told me
to butt out of her personal life. It was you
sending those flowers to her.” Josh said.
“Yes, Donna and I are dating. Yes, I sent her
the flowers. We are adults and if you have a
problem with me dating her, that’s your tough luck.
Deal with it. I have work to do.” Sam said and
walked back to his own office.
Josh stood in Toby’s office and was shell
shocked. His best friend and his assistant were dating
and after the conversation that he had overheard
about protection, they weren’t yet sleeping
together. He could have sworn that they would have
never gotten together, but the world was strange
that way.
Donna walked back to her desk after being sent on
several errands by Josh. She saw an envelope on
her desk with her name written on it. She picked
it up and ripped it open.
There was a note that said:
We need to talk
Come to my office after 6
She knew that they needed to talk. Going condom
shopping with Ginger was an eye opener.
Sam saw her walk into the bullpen at 6 p.m. He
opened his door and ushered her inside.
“Hey. What did you want to talk about?” Donna
asked.
“Several things, including Josh.” Sam said.
“What does Josh have to do with this?” Donna
asked.
“He over heard a conversation about you and me
and sex in Toby’s office.” Sam said.
“You were discussing me and sex with Toby and
Josh overheard?” Donna asked.
“Yes and he didn’t take it well.” Sam said.
“Why were you discussing sex with Toby?” Donna
asked.
“I wanted some advice on things.” Sam said.
“Josh will get over it. He may not like it,
but it isn’t his life.” Donna said.
“Toby basically said the same thing.” Sam
said.
“While this is going to be an interesting
conversation, I don’t feel comfortable having it here.
Let’s get out of here.” Donna said.
“Where would you like to go?” Sam asked.
“To your apartment. Our personal lives are
just that, personal and no one else’s business.
Let’s get out of here.” Donna said.
“Ok, I’m ready to go.” Sam said and ushered
her out of the office.
Donna was quiet on the drive to Sam’s apartment.
His apartment was starting to feel like home.
They both spent evenings and weekends there
together. She was uncomfortable about talking about her
fears and sex, but she knew it had to be done so
that they could both move on and take the
relationship to the next logical level.
Sam was also quiet on the drive home. He loved
spending nights and weekends with Donna. They had
become so much closer and he knew that she issues
with sex and the fact that he was a ladies man
played on her fears. She thought he didn’t know,
but he did and wanted to put those fears to rest.
This was the night that they were going to talk
about sex, likes and dislikes, fears, and issues.
Sam and Donna both walked into the apartment,
silent. They were both in their own worlds that
would soon come colliding together.
Sam was first to break the silence.
“Would you like something to drink?” Sam
asked.
“No but thanks for asking.” Donna said.
Sam grabbed a bottle of water for himself and
walked back into the living room. Donna was sitting
on the couch and he sat down next to her. She
scooted away from him a little bit, mainly out of a
nervous habit.
“We need to talk about this thing.” Sam said.
“What thing?” Donna asked.
“The whole problem with taking this
relationship to the next level.” Sam said.
“By that you mean having sex, right?” Donna
asked.
“Yes, but I don’t want to push you into
anything that you are not ready for.” Sam said.
“It’s just that I don’t know what you want to
know?” Donna said, looking down at the floor.
“I want to know your opinion about protection?
Do you want to have a baby?” Sam asked.
“I most certainly don’t want to have a baby
right now. I need to focus on my life before I
decide to start a family. I am not on the pill, so
condoms are what we have.” Donna said.
“Would you go on the Pill?” Sam asked.
“I can make an appointment with my doctor and
take care of it. I know that it is more practical
and safer for both of us” Donna said.
“It’s just that I have never liked condoms and
the Pill is safer for those times when there are
no condoms around.” Sam said.
“But the Pill doesn’t protect against STD’s and
HIV.” Donna said.
“I want you to know that I have no contagious
diseases and my AIDS test was negative.” Sam
said.
“Since we are being so honest, what do you like
and dislike about sex?” Sam asked.
Donna was floored that Sam had asked her about
her likes and dislikes when it came to sex. None
of the guys that she had been with in the past
wanted to know about “her”. They always assumed
that she would like what they liked. It also
surprised her that Sam could be a considerate possible
lover by wanting to know ahead of time. She had
always pictured him as the take charge, take no
prisoners type of lover who didn’t care about the
woman’s preferences. She also knew that she was
blushing a thousand shades of red and was
thinking of the most discrete way to tell Sam what she
liked and disliked.
“You know that it is okay to be shy about
this.” Sam said, reaching over to hold her hand.
“It’s just that I worry about not being able to
measure up to the rest of your lovers. I worry
about not being able to please the consummate
ladies man.” Donna said, close to tears.
“It’s okay. I am not grading you on what
happens between us. You are not just another lover in
a long list. Donna, you are special and I would
never think about comparing you to someone else.
As for being a ladies man, I haven’t dated anyone
since Mallory. Don’t worry about things.” Sam
said.
“But I do worry about things. I worry that I
won’t be able to do the right things that will
make you happy. I worry that my limited experience
will turn you off.” Donna said.
“This isn’t about making me happy. This is
about you feeling comfortable enough to take this
relationship a step farther. So, you have a
limited experience in this area. It’s ok and doesn’t
bother me. I want to know that you are okay and
comfortable.” Sam said.
“Thank you for being so understanding and
dealing with all these insignificant things.” Donna
said.
“They are not insignificant to you. I want to
know what you want to happen. I want and need to
know what bothers you in the bedroom and what you
don’t want me to do.” Sam said.
“I want enough time to do this right. I don’t
want something rushed, fast, or hurried. I want
a tender, passionate lover that respects my
limits and doesn’t pressure me to do something that I
am uncomfortable with.” Donna said.
“What do you not like?” Sam asked.
“I don’t want to be immobilized in any way. I
can’t do that just yet, there are too many bad
memories there.” Donna said.
Sam just sat there, committing every detail to
mind. He wanted the first time making love to be
the fairy tale experience that she wanted. This
wasn’t about him, it was about her and making her
feel comfortable with her sexuality.
“Where would you feel most comfortable?” Sam
asked her.
“What do you mean?” Donna asked, confused by
his question.
“Would you rather have the first time at a
hotel or at here at the apartment?” Sam asked.
“I want to make love in this apartment. I
spend more time here than anywhere else, except
work.” Donna said.
“I just wanted to make sure that you were okay
with it here.” Sam said.
“This place is home. This is where I want our
first time to be. I want to make love to you in a
place where we are both ok.” Donna said.
Sam drove Donna home and kissed her before she
got out of the car. He watched her enter the
building before he drove off. After listening and
talking to Donna that night, Sam knew that he needed
to talk to someone about making love to her. He
decided that Josh was out of the question and
that only left Toby. Toby wouldn’t like it, but he
would give Sam some very sage advice on these
matters.
Donna once again walked into the bullpen that was
chaotic around her desk. She hoped that it
wasn’t flowers again. This time, laying on her desk
was a magazine clipping that showed her and Sam
coming out of the restaurant. The article made
reference to the fact that he was the deputy
communications director and she was a personal assistant
the deputy chief of staff.
“Donnatella, in my office now.” Josh shouted
at her.
Donna went into the office and shut the door.
She knew what was coming from past experience.
“What are you doing going out with Sam?” Josh
asked.
“We went out for dinner and it really isn’t
your business what I am doing.” Donna said.
“It’s my business when you two make a magazine
article.” Josh shouted at her.
“Stop it Josh. You are not my brother, father,
or boyfriend. I am an adult and will make
decisions that please me. Stop butting into my
personal life or I will ask to be transferred.” Donna
said.
“I am just trying to keep you from getting
hurt.” Josh said.
“I have to deal with that on my own. You can’t
protect me from everything. I am happy with Sam.
You have staff in five.” Donna said.
Donna walked back to her desk, threw the magazine
article away, and got down to work. Josh left
his office for senior staff and didn’t say anything
to Donna when he left.
“Hey” Sam said to his best friend.
“Whatever.” Josh replied.
“What is wrong? You never act like this.” Sam
asked.
“You and my assistant turned up in a magazine
article.” Josh said.
“Yeah, listen about that.....” Sam trailed
off.
“I already heard from Donna. If you are going
to do this, don’t hurt her. I don’t want to have
to pick up the pieces. Donna is special and if
you hurt her, I will kill you.” Josh said.
“I don’t intend to hurt her. Let’s go to
staff.” Sam said walking into the office.
The senior staff meeting went as regular, except
for the fact that Josh and Sam were in their own
worlds, worrying about other problems.
Sam was able to catch Toby alone for a few
minutes before lunch.
“Toby, are you busy?” Sam asked.
“Yes, I am ever increasingly busy as the day
wears on.” Toby said.
“I need to talk to you about some things.” Sam
said.
“What things?” Toby asked.
“A magazine article and Donna.” Sam said.
“What magazine article?” Toby asked.
“One from the Scout that has a picture of me
and Donna coming out of a restaurant. It mentions
our jobs. Donna was a bit rattled by it.” Sam
said.
“What did it say?” Toby asked.
“Just that we had enjoyed a nice dinner in the
restaurant and looked like we were just more than
friends.” Sam said.
“Is Donna okay?” Toby asked.
“She was a bit rattled by it, but nothing
major. Josh is the one who had a problem with it. I
guess he lit into Donna and she gave what she got
right back to him and we got into before staff.
Josh is still mad, but he will get over it.” Sam
said.
“Is that all?” Toby asked.
“No, I need some advice on making love to
Donna.” Sam said.
“What possible advice do you need?” Toby
asked.
“I am worried that this won’t be good.” Sam
said.
“Why?” Toby asked with concern.
“Come on, I raped and assaulted her. I am
worried that I don’t deserve her. I am worried that
I won’t be able to please her without bringing
back bad memories. I want this to be a good time
for her.” Sam said.
“Okay, then. If you both go into this with
open eyes and mutual consent, let Donna take the
lead. Let her make the moves that she is
comfortable with. If there is something that you like, but
she isn’t doing, keep it to yourself. Let her
experiment and experience things at her own pace.
Don’t push or rush her. It will probably take
some time for her to let you take the lead.” Toby
said.
“Thanks. I appreciate the advice. Without
you, she and I would still be at an impasse in our
relationship.” Sam said.
“You’re welcome, but don’t let it get around.
I don’t want to be the person that everyone comes
to when they have problems with their love life.”
Toby said.
Sam went back to his office and got down to work.
He wanted to be done early, so he could spend the
evening with Donna, barring no political or world
crisises.
Donna was still getting looks from other
employees when she passed people in the hall. She wanted
to tell them that they needed to mind their own
business, but didn’t because she was the personal
assistant to the deputy chief of staff and had to
act like it. She kept her mind focused to lunch.
She and Ginger were going to Victoria Secrets for
a little pick me up. Donna wanted to buy
something that would blow Sam away when they finally
made love that upcoming weekend. It was the first
non working weekend since January and she had
plans for Sam that didn’t include getting out of bed.
Ginger and Donna entered an almost empty store at
lunchtime.
“At least I don’t have to worry about people
noticing what I buy.” Donna said.
“Then let’s get shopping.” Ginger said with a
smile.
Donna and Ginger grabbed things off the racks and
headed for a dressing room in the back.
“Here is the first piece.” Ginger handed a
lacy, black teddy to her over the door.
“There is no way that I am wearing this for
Sam. It covers nothing.” Donna said, handing the
teddy back to Ginger over the door.
“It isn’t supposed to cover anything.” Ginger
said with a laugh and a smile.
“I want something sweet, but sexy.” Donna said
as Ginger handed a red teddy over the door.
“This is nice, but I want something that covers
me up a bit, but it is definitely a possibility.”
Donna said.
“Try this one. It covers you up and is sexy at
the same time.” Ginger said.
“Thanks. I already like the color and the
style, so it is looking good.” Donna said, trying on
the blue teddy.
“So, is this the one that you want to wear for
Sam?” Ginger asked.
“This is definitely the one, but I am also
getting the red one that I know Sam will like.” Donna
said, coming out of the dressing room with both
teddies.
“I am so happy that you found something that
you liked. Do you guys have plans for this
weekend?” Ginger asked with a knowing smile.
“Yes, we plan to be together, but he isn’t
forcing me to do something that I am not ready to do
yet.” Donna said with a smile.
The cashier rang up the purchases, Donna paid,
and both women left the store feeling good. She
stuck the bag in her car when she got back to work.
There was no reason to announce to the rest of
the west wing that she planned to have a great non
working weekend.
Donna finally got back to her desk and down to
work. There was no way that Josh was going to make
her come in over the weekend to work. She wanted
to have everything done before she left.
“Are you ready for a non working weekend?” Sam
asked, coming up behind her in the hall.
“You betcha. It will be a chance to relax for
a change.” Donna said.
“Do you wanna come over tonight for dinner and
a movie?” Sam asked.
“Sure, what time do you want me to be there?”
Donna asked.
“Around 7 is fine.” Sam said.
“Cool.” Donna said and went back to work.
Donna was able to finish up work at 6 and went to
find Sam. She found him in his office with Toby,
hard at work. She lightly knocked on the door.
“Hi Donna.” Toby said.
“Finish up early?” Sam asked.
“Yeah, Josh had a date and told me I could go
whenever, so I am going now.” Donna said.
“Would you mind picking up dinner? I promise
that I will be there no later than 7.” Sam asked
and gave Toby a pointed look.
“Yeah, it’s not a problem. What do you want?”
Donna asked.
“Chinese would be great and make sure to get an
order of beef fried rice.” Sam told her.
“Okay, I will do that.” Donna started and
turned to leave when Sam stopped her.
“Here you will need this to get into the
apartment.” Sam said and handed her a key to his
apartment.
“Thanks, see you in an hour.” Sam said and
turned back to his computer.
Donna couldn’t believe that he had given her a
key to his place, his private domain. She loved
him so much.
She picked up the food and headed to the
apartment. She arranged the food on the table and went
back to the car for the purchases she had made
earlier in the day. By the time she got back into
the apartment, it was already 6:45. She hurried
into the bathroom and changed into the blue teddy.
Donna felt that this was the night that it would
happen and she wanted to give him a surprise.
Sam was glad to be home. A full weekend where
work wasn’t a priority was rare and had to be taken
advantage of. Normally, he would have headed to
Rhode Island to hang with friends and go sailing,
but this was the weekend where things would
change between him and Donna. They would go from
friends to lovers and everything would be different
from this moment on. He knew that he was prepared
for anything that might happen.
Sam quickly walked into the apartment and was
greeted with a chaste kiss from Donna.
“Why don’t you get out of those work clothes
and into something more comfortable.” Donna said.
“Why, Miss Moss, I never knew you could be so
forward.” Sam joked as he headed to the bedroom
to change.
Donna had just gotten drinks on the table when
Sam came up behind her and gave her a kiss on the
neck. He had changed into worn jeans and a
tee-shirt.
“Let’s eat. I’m hungry.” Donna said.
“You are starting to sound like Ainsley when it
comes to food.” Sam said with a smile.
“I’ll be sure to tell our favorite Republican
that then.” Donna shot back with a smile.
They both enjoyed the meal and then headed to the
couch to watch some tv. Sam flicked the channel
to a program all about the people in the white
house.
“People would never believe that what they see
on tv is actually going on in the white house.”
Sam said jokingly.
“What is on this program is hilarious. I could
never picture you guys as brilliant people that
sometimes can’t tie your own shoelaces.” Donna
said.
“Why don’t we turn off the tv before we have a
fight about what the people see the white house
as and what it really is.” Sam said.
“And what are we supposed to do for the rest of
the evening then?” Donna asked with a smile.
“I’m sure that we can come up with something
that we both reasonably enjoy.” Sam said in a
seductive tone with a smile.
“What did you have in mind?” Donna asked.
“This.” Sam said as he deeply kissed her.
Sam and Donna stayed there for what seemed like
hours just kissing and touching each other. Donna
wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down
on top of her. Sam slipped a hand underneath the
shirt that she was wearing and read the
unconditional approval in her eyes. He felt the teddy and
broke off the kiss.
“What is this?” Sam asked with a smile.
“It’s a surprise for you.” Donna said in a
seductive tone.
“I really would like to see that surprise.”
Sam said.
“Then why don’t we take this into the bedroom.”
Donna said.
“Are you sure that you want to do this?” Sam
asked, wanting to be sure that he was not
overstepping the bounds or forcing her to do this.
“I am absolutely sure about this.” Donna said
walking into the bedroom.
Sam followed her and shut the bedroom door behind
him. This was special. This was them finally
finding each other and finding what they needed in
each other.
Donna was just lying there, not saying anything
and he was concerned. He had let her take the
lead and not pushed her in any one direction. He
had made tender, passionate love to her without any
regrets.
“Are you ok?” Sam asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Donna said.
Donna was shocked at the intensity that she felt.
Making love to Sam was wonderful. It totally
wiped out the bad memories of him raping her. No
man had ever allowed her to take the lead in this
area and for that she was grateful. She grabbed
the sheet and rolled over to find herself looking
directly into his eyes.
“Hey” Donna said.
“Hey yourself.” Sam said with a smile.
“And now we have reached the awkward ‘morning
after’ part of the conversation.” Donna said
sarcastically.
“I don’t think it’s gonna be awkward. This was
something that we both wanted and went into with
open eyes. I love you and I want to be with you
now and forever.” Sam said.
Sam leaned over to open a nightstand drawer.
Donna had no idea what he was doing until he shut
the drawer and looked at her again. That is when
she noticed the small jewelry box that he held.
“This is for you.” Sam said, opening the box.
“Oh, it is so beautiful, but you didn’t have to
do this.” Donna said.
“I know that I broke your necklace and I know
how much it meant to you, so I had the pendent
restrung on another chain.” Sam said.
“Thank you so much for this. I love you.”
Donna said.
Sam sat there in shock. Donna said that she
loved him. He made up his mind right then and there.
Sam turned to look at her.
“And I love you to.” Sam said.
Donna was now the one in shock. She never
expected him to say it back. He was a wonderful,
caring guy. Sam knew how much the necklace meant to
her and had gone to the trouble of having it
restrung.
“So, what do you want to do for the rest of the
weekend?” Sam asked.
“Just spend lots of time with you.” Donna said
with a smile.
The rest of the weekend was spent together. They
didn’t spend all of their time in bed. Sam and
Donna moved some things from her apartment to his
for all those times when they wanted to be
together after work and when it was late. They took
long walks and talked about all the things that
were on their minds. Donna was first to bring up
how they should tell people and who they should
tell first.
“We need to figure this out.” Donna said.
“What do we need to figure out, darling?” Sam
asked.
“How do we tell people that we are together and
who do we tell first?” Donna asked.
“We should definitely tell Toby, Ginger, and
Josh right away and together. I will tell CJ and
I’m sure that Ginger and you will take care of the
other assistants.’ Sam said.
“Ok and we should definitely tell Toby and then
Josh.” Donna said.
“Whatever makes you happy.” Sam told her.
They both walked into the white house early.
They wanted a chance to tell the people in their
lives before everyone was there. Lucky for them,
Toby was already at his desk. Sam knocked on the
door.
“Come in.” Toby said and watched the couple
sit down on the couch together.
“We need to tell you something and thank you
for helping us see the clear path that was in front
of us all of this time.” Donna said.
“Does this have anything to do with the fact
that you are holding hands and are now officially a
couple?” Toby asked with a rare smile on his
face.
“Yes, we are officially a couple and wanted to
tell you first because you were the one who
forced us to find out where we wanted to go with each
other.” Sam said.
“I am happy that you guys are officially
together, but this is the white house, so get back to
work.” Toby said.
After they left his office, they headed for
Josh’s. Donna gave Sam’s hand a squeeze before they
went in.
“Aren’t you a little early for work Samuel and
Donnatella?” Josh asked.
“We needed to talk to you and wanted to do it
when there weren’t a lot of people around.” Sam
said.
“So tell me, what is up?” Josh asked.
“We wanted to tell you that we are officially a
couple now.” Donna said.
“You are, huh?” Josh said.
“Yes, we wanted to tell you ourselves before
you here it from gossip.” Sam said.
“If you guys are happy, than I am happy for
you. Remember the warning I gave you earlier, Sam.
I meant it.” Josh said.
“I remember it well. I intend to make Donna
very happy.” Sam said.
“I wish you guys all the happiness in the
world.” Josh said.
“You don’t know how much it means to hear that
coming from you.” Donna said with a smile.
“I am glad you are happy. It’s time to get to
work, though, so Donna get me coffee and my
schedule.” Josh said.
“No coffee, but I will be right back with your
schedule.” Donna said.
“Cool.” Josh said.
day, but they always came back to each other when
the day was done. They had both lived through an
ordeal that changed both of their lives. Donna
had started talking to a counsellor and working
through issues with the rape. She and Sam were able
to talk about it without hurting each other. Sam
was still the tender, passionate lover with her.
They were both so happy with each other and knew
that they could get through anything that was
thrown at them.