Not so Far Back in Her Memory

(Part One)

Not so far back in her memory, when she didn't care about anything except getting drunk, high, and laid. Back when she fell in love with an older man (a suit). Back when being close wasn’t close enough, close in her mind, was being on top. He was rich and wanted to marry her. She was white and beautiful and young and at that moment higher than a kite. Believing with all her heart, that she had somehow died and gone to heaven.

Their bed always looked ransacked. There were dirty dishes piled to the ceiling. And, their soiled clothes were beginning to take on a life of their own. They were drunk and in love. Their closest friends (his friends), were beginning to have concerns. But neither of them gave a rat’s ass (she didn’t for sure, they weren’t her fucking friends).

At the end of the day, they (the twice divorced, and eight-year Senate Majority Leader, and Mr. Republican, and oh yes, his new trophy wife), rented a large hall to announce their marriage. They also revealed a tongue in cheek reparations plan, which said that anyone, who felt slighted by the couple's marriage, or their extended honeymoon, could go fuck themselves. The large room exploded with cheers and applause.

After the announcement, he told her, "Never forget that money and power, although they're used to start wars; they also can end them, too. And, more importantly they heal all wounds.”

Later that evening he said, "You're a Republican, now. And handed her a book, “The Art of the Deal.”

The problem with marriage is that it’s an imperfect institution. And as she was soon to find out, marrying an older man, meant that, sooner rather than later, those imperfections would be exposed. Over time the old man began to lose interest, he lost his luster and began taking frequent naps. When he woke, he'd find his young wife gone.

When she returned, they'd argue. He would accuse her of drinking, and to irritate him, she'd make herself a cocktail because drinking in front of him imbued her with even more power. Later, when she provided him a monthly calendar of her schedule he became even more irate.

"Jesus Christ, you're doing something every fucking day, what about me, when do I get to see you?"

"Every day when I get home, except you're always napping."

"And what's all this goddamn Republican Party crap?"

"I'm your wife. and you're Mr., Republican. You may have retired, but I'm still very much in demand."

"Well, fuck'em, I want you home."

"I can't, I'm running for President of the PTA."

"Jesus, you're a goddamn idiot. Republicans hate the fucking PTA."

"I know. We know. I'm going to run, I'm going to win, and when I do, I'm going to implode the entire organization from the top down."

The old man was speechless, tears began to roll down his cheeks. Finally, he said: "It's brilliant, absolutely brilliant."

With her success, her ambivalence toward her family only grew. Yes, the old man was more interesting, but that was only because he was more interested in her and what she was doing. The children didn't like her, she believed they never had. They were after all, Republicans. Fucking obnoxious, YAF'ers. She understood why in nature, mothers ate their infants.

Early on, it was her friends (Yes, her friends) that gave her her first clues about herself and her potential. Remarking how perfect her husband was, how well behaved the children were. And, more importantly, their endless homages to her. She was the envy of everyone who was anyone in this rich and powerful, republican enclave. She had become Mrs., Republican and no one dared to fuck with her. After all, she had learned from the best, her husband, Mr. Republican.

She did what she promised she'd do, she destroyed the PTA. Next on her agenda was a State Senate seat and she won by landslide.  After a single term, she set her sights on the U.S. House of Representatives and won again by a landslide.  After two terms in the House, she ran and won the U.S. Senate seat. Yes, by a landslide. But it was her selection to nominate the next President of the United States, that put her name and face at the top of the list.  It set her apart from all the other Republicans at the convention. Her speech raised the bar, and overnight she became an important national figure. Then a little bird whispered in her ear, the Presidential nominee was into infidelity.

Then, providence intervened.

Aide: "Senator!"

Senator: "Yes?"

Aide: "The next President of the United States, would like to speak with you."

She stabbed the phone from the aide's grasp and walked to a more private area of her hotel suite.

Senator: "Governor?"

Governor: "Senator, or should I say Mrs. Republican."

Senator: "That's a fairy tale; I'm still waiting for my Prince."

Governor: "I was sorry to hear about your husband."

Senator: "Thank you, but it was the best thing that God could do for him. He's finally at peace. And now, I'm in a perfect position to become the first woman President of the United States.."

They laughed.

Governor: "I wanted to call to thank you for your nominating speech. It was kick ass. Hey, you could be speaking to the next Mr. Republican."

Senator: "Sorry, but I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Well, not anyone, I liked."

Governor: "The National Governor's Conference is next month. And, well. Would you like to have dinner?"

Senator: “That would nice, I'd love to.”

Governor: “Great Senator, you made my day.”

Senator: “Until then Governor.”

Click.

As she returned to her covey of aides and consultants, there was only one thought emblazoned on her mind: she was going to fuck the next President of the United States.

End, Part One