Broken Politics

by Janae Keyes

  “Something wrong?” Julie asked.

  “Sorry boy problems. Nothing big.” I said with a weak smile before looking back at my computer screen.

  “A boy? I guess I’m not setting you up on a date anymore.” I shrugged my shoulders because I didn’t know what my situation was. “Tell me. I’m the expert.” She said as she scooted her chair close to mine. I let out a sigh. I’d already said too much to her. I was in a room full of press so I couldn’t let anything slip. I thought about it for a second before turning to her.

  “There is this guy. I personally hated him, but I got to know him and he’s actually a great guy. We are total opposites though and sparks fly major between us. Well the other day we kissed and now I’m confused. It’s obvious he likes me and I can’t get him out of my mind. It is driving me insane because on one hand I think it is a terrible idea and on the other I just want to try and see where things go. I really don’t know what he wants with me. Does he want a relationship or what?” I let out a sigh when I finished. I truthfully didn’t know. Was Matthew looking for something real or was the kiss just an offer for a quick fling?

  “That’s intense.” Julie said. I could see that she was thinking about this very hard. “You should talk to him about it. It’s the only way to really know what he wants. Do you want something with him?”

  “I don’t know. He’s got a complicated life and I don’t know if I am ready to be a part of all his complications.” I answered with a shrug. There were so many questions I had in my head and Matthew could only give those answers to me, but I wasn’t ready to see him. I couldn’t face him just yet.

  WHEN I FINALLY looked up from my computer it was just after 4pm. I had the remnants of an article for the magazine and a nice little blog post for the website. I emailed it off to the online editor of MetroGirl. My actual magazine article so far was crap. I needed more, but that would involve seeing Matthew.

  I took a breath and looked around the office that had quieted down. I knew I couldn’t avoid him forever because seeing him was a part of my job. I shutdown my computer and put it in my bag. Julie had already gone for the day because she had a dinner with her future in-laws in the evening. I stood and picked up my bag. As much as wanted to avoid him I started making my way to the Oval Office. As I walked up the hall I took slow and deep breaths.

  I walked down the hall and into the waiting area where his secretary, Karen, gave me a wave while she spoke on the phone. She motioned that it was okay to go inside.

  “Hi Ray.” I said to my favorite one of the Secret Service agents who was outside of the Oval Office entrance.

  “How you doing Kayla?” Ray asked me.

  “Pretty good.” I answered.

  “You can go right in.” Ray said as he opened the door for me. My heart was beating a million miles a minute as the door opened. I stepped inside and there was Matthew sitting on one of the couches. He looked up at me. He gave me a smile as he saw me. The door then closed behind me. It was just the two of us now.

  “Hey I haven’t seen you in a couple days.” Matthew said as he closed the folder in his hand and sat it on the coffee table.

  “Yeah I was working in the Press Corp office.” I shrugged. I wanted to appear unaffected by that kiss even though it was affecting every part of me inside and out.

  Matthew

  I WAS BEYOND surprised when Kayla walked into the office, but I knew she needed time after what happened between us a couple days ago. I didn’t know what took over me, but in that moment I needed to kiss her. I needed to know exactly what it would feel like and it felt better than I’d imagined. Kayla’s lips were now all I craved since that moment. Seeing her made me so happy because my day had been shit. The latest post on Broken Politics had cut me deep. Just having Kayla’s presence made me forget about the ruthless blog post.

  “Would you like to sit?” I asked her as she stood awkwardly by the door. I patted the place right next to me on the couch. Kayla walked to the couch and sat her bag on the floor. Then she sat down exactly where I wanted her.

  “Umm so my recent article sucks. I need more. I know Kizzy will ask me for more. I can’t think of anything.” She said. She was using work to distract herself from the real pressing matter. “Maybe I can accompany you on an outing or something. See you outside of the White House.” She suggested.

  “Yeah that seems fine.” I answered. She nodded in response.

  We both just sat quietly. I didn’t quite know what to say and I figured that she didn’t know what to say either. My eyes scanned her body. Of course she looked amazing as always. It was one of the rare times I saw her in pants. She wore a pair of black slacks with a white ruffled collared blouse. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail. I studied her face with my eyes. I could see there was so much emotion all over her face, but she wasn’t quite sure how to express it. One of us needed to say something. I took a breath.

  “Kayla.” I said her name softly. Her grey eyes looked into mine. “About the other day. I didn’t mean to cross any lines. Believe me. I just needed to see if what I was feeling was real.”

  “And was it?” she asked. I was surprised by such a direct question. I smiled at her.

  “It was more than real.” I answered. I saw her blush. I knew that she liked it as much as I did. I was relieved. I’d stayed awake all night worrying if I’d upset her or if she would press charges against me. I worried about her and her feelings, but I’d also worried about my career and hers. “Kayla I can’t help, but be attracted to you. You are so smart and very talented. I love how passionate you are and even though we have differing opinions I love how headstrong you are and how you are willing to take me on when nobody else would dare do so face to face. It also helps that you are incredibly beautiful.”

  I admitted everything. I figured this was the time to put everything on the table and see where things went. I was a big boy and if she rejected me then she did. I knew I could move on though in the moment I didn’t want to. This girl hates me for my political stance, but I’m drawn to her vibrant personality and her abilities as a writer. She oddly inspires me and I wanted that inspiration from her day in and day out.

  “Umm... I didn’t expect that.” She said looked me directly in the eyes. I felt like her grey eyes were piercing my soul. “I don’t know what it is about you. You are my opposite and not my type, but yet I can’t get you off my mind. That kiss just made it worse. I’m scared and confused. I don’t quite know what you want.”

  “I want to be with you. I want a relationship with you Kayla.” I admitted to her. I wanted her and it was high time I confessed it.

  “How would that even work?” she asked me. I could tell she had concerns. I knew that it would have a great effect on her career and her life. I let out a sigh and looked at her.

  “I don’t know truthfully.” I answered. I leaned into her. She just froze in one spot. My lips were barely an inch from hers. “We’ll figure it out.” I whispered just hovering before pressing my lips to hers.

  Her body started as tense, but relaxed as I pulled her closer by her waist. Her hands were on my chest. I was afraid she would push me away, but she didn’t. I felt her take hold of my tie and pull me closer to her. She obviously wanted this there was no doubt about it. I inhaled through my nose smelling her lavender scent.

  I pulled away from her and lingered achingly close. I placed one delicate kiss on her mouth. She smiled. I knew this was what she wanted too. It seemed insane that this was happening. I’d practically given up hope that I would find someone. Who knew that she would stroll into my office one day; this girl who was my complete opposite and yet she would steal my heart away.

  “Maybe we can keep this quiet. You and I. You have to spend time with me anyway so nobody should suspect anything. We will just have to keep it quiet. I don’t want you to be pushed out into the spotlight of being my girlfriend if you don’t want all of that.” I said to her.

  “Thanks.” She said simply. She then boldly came to m
e and imposed her lips upon mine. It felt good to have her kiss me. She pulled away and looked at me. “This is absolutely insane.” She murmured shaking her head, but with a smile on her face. I felt exactly the same way so that was a good thing.

  “I’ve got an idea.” I said to her as I ran my thumb across her cheek. “You wanted to come on an outing with me. I’ve wanted to get out of DC. I was thinking maybe going to Camp David. It’s nice and relaxing plus very private. The press can’t even get near it and you and I can spend some time together.”

  “That actually sounds like a good idea.” She said giving me a grin. I loved her smile. I kissed her one more time. It felt so good to kiss her and to know I had her. She was mine and I was hers.

  Kayla

  HIS FINGERS INTERTWINED with mine as we sat in the limo riding through the forest. I arrived at the White House early this morning with my bags packed for a few days away at Camp David with Matthew. I was pretty excited to get away and even more excited to get away with him.

  I looked over to him as he held my hand. It was amazing how good it felt to be with him like this. I was so nervous in the moment and I hoped my hand wasn’t sweating while he held it. It was going to be difficult to keep quiet, but I was down for it. I knew that keeping us quiet wouldn’t distract away from his presidency and it also would keep the integrity in my work though I was concerned for my blog.

  I’d been writing Broken Politics since I moved to DC. I’d always been interested in politics and my blog was a way for me to vent my frustrations with the Washington Elite. The thing was now I was dating the most elite of them all. I was in a relationship with the President the one who I criticized the most. My blog was actually quite popular and I kept my identity a secret. The only people who knew that I was behind the blog were Simone and my mom. I hadn’t told a soul and I didn’t know how I was going to tell Matthew if I even told him. Though I knew I should.

  “We’re nearly there.” Matthew said to me as he squeezed my hand. I looked over at him. He gave me a smile before leaning into me. We seemed to kiss at every chance we got and I couldn’t help, but love it. I loved the feeling of his lips. I couldn’t get enough. He placed his lips on mine and kissed me softly.

  I looked out of his window. We were passing the sign for Camp David. We pulled through the gates that were guarded by US Navy soldiers. We drove deeper into the camp. I looked out of the windows. I couldn’t believe that I was actually here. This place wasn’t open to the public at all and anyone who visited was purely under the discretion of the president.

  We pulled up to the main house. It was a beautiful wooden lodge. When the limo stopped a Secret Service agent opened my door. I slid out of the car. As soon as I was outside I inhaled the beautifully crisp country air. I’d really been in DC too long. It was amazing to be out here and away from the city. I turned to see Matthew out on the other side of the limo. There were staff members getting our bags and taking them into the lodge. Matthew came around to my side and took me by the hand.

  “I’ve never been up here before so I’m excited to experience it with you.” He said as he laced his fingers with mine. I felt a jolt run down my spine at him taking my hand. The two of us walked up to the lodge. The front door was opened for the two of us by one of the staff members and we stepped inside.

  I wasn’t sure about all these people who were seeing us together. It made me a little uncomfortable because we were trying to keep our relationship quiet.

  “Don’t worry everyone has signed nondisclosure agreements.” He said in my ear. I turned to him. It was like he had read my mind. I was able to relax a bit.

  WE EXPLORED THE lodge together. Everything was so beautiful in it’s own country way. I was set up in a bedroom right up the hall from his. I walked from my bedroom and found him in the living room reading a newspaper. I sat down next to him. He put his paper down and looked at me giving me a smile.

  All of this was still so surreal. I didn’t quite know what to expect from our time away, but I knew I was happy to spend this time with him. We’d be able to get to know one another a little more than we had over the past month and we’d be able to work out exactly what we were doing.

  “I was thinking we could take a walk and check this place out.” He said looking at me. I nodded. I was excited to see this place for all it was.

  “Let me grab my sweater.” I said to him as I stood from the couch. I walked into the room I was staying in and picked up my sweater from the bed. I dressed in a simple pair of cropped jeans with a plain grey t-shirt and now I slipped on my yellow cardigan sweater.

  Walking back out I found Matthew standing by the door. He’d now pulled a V-Neck sweater over his plaid button up shirt he wore with jeans. He instantly took my hand as we walked outside in the cool morning air.

  We found a path and just went walking. We walked in silence for a few minutes. I was taking everything in.

  “It’s nice being able to walk without Secret Service agent feet behind me.” He said as I realized we were totally alone.

  “I bet it gets annoying.” I said.

  “Sometimes I feel like I’m suffocating because I’m being watched over 24/7.” He admitted. I instantly felt sorry for him. Even though they were sworn to secrecy he still had no privacy in his life.

  “That sounds like prison.” I looked over to him.

  “I’m sure prison is better.” He snorted. “Enough about my lame life. If you hadn’t become a writer what do you think you’d be doing?” he’d stopped walking.

  I thought for a moment. Writing had been a part of my soul for as long as I could remember. As a kid during family functions I would walk around and interview my family members. It was all I could ever remember wanting to do.

  “I’d be homeless because it’s all I wanted to do and all I want to do.”

  “So you had no back-up plan?” I simply shook my head no. I knew right away that I was going to be a double major in English and Journalism. I wanted to write about people and their experiences. During college I got involved in politics and knew I wanted to be a political journalist. “I love that you were so passionate about something and went for it. It’s pretty sexy.” I blushed when he said it.

  “Did you always want to be President?”

  “No way I wasn’t even into politics, but my family was all about it. When I went to college I majored in law thinking I wanted to be a lawyer. I went to law school and when it came time it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I needed to do something. I thought, why not get into politics. I ended up running for Congress and the rest is history. From there I knew that I wanted to be president. Running at 33 years old was insane and I didn’t actually think I’d win, but I did and here we are.” He explained to me. I couldn’t believe that he didn’t want to actually do this. He seemed so convicted and passionate. I guess in some people it took time for passions to grow.

  We were standing near a large rock. Matthew sat down on the rock and pulled me with him onto his lap. I looked at him and he gave me a smile. He took a hand and ran it down my face. Every single part of this moment didn’t feel real. I tried to not shake out of pure nervousness.

  “So are you asking me this as Kayla Johnson MetroGirl Political Lifestyle reporter or as Kayla Johnson my incredibly beautiful and talented girlfriend?” he asked me. I couldn’t help, but smile as he complimented not just my looks that I didn’t consider to be that fantastic, but my abilities as well. I still was having a hard time believing I was really his girlfriend.

  “A little bit of both I guess.” I answered truthfully.

  “That can get a bit confusing.” He said to me. I knew what he was saying was true. He’d been so open and honest from the beginning, but with us seeing one another lines could get crossed. “How about when you write your article I get to read it first?”

  “I can agree to that.” I said to him. I let my lips linger over his for just a moment before I pressed my them to his. I wanted to feel his lips against mine; I needed it des
perately.

  “I can’t help, but love when you do that.” He whispered against my me. I simply smiled. This was all so unreal. Here I was at Camp David with the President of the United States and he was my boyfriend. We’d gone from 0 to 60 in no time, but I liked it. As much as I hated his ideology and his politics I really liked who he was under all of that as a person. I couldn’t explain the tug of war of feelings I had, but I knew in the end that I wanted this with him. All of this felt right in a way that I couldn’t even explain to myself. “I was thinking we could walk for a little more and then head back to the house to grab the lunch.” He said to me. I simply nodded in response. It all sounded good to me and I was down for anything.

  WE SAT TOGETHER on a lounge canopy by the pool. Today had been great. It was fun getting to explore and getting to know Matthew as his girlfriend and not as the MetroGirl reporter. He told me about his dogs growing up and how when they died his parents told him extravagant lies in order to not upset him though he knew inside that they were dead and just played along. He told me his favorite thing to do as a kid was to visit his grandfather and go fishing. Matthew Von Hansen was a real life person and I was getting to know that moment my moment that I spent with him.

  I looked up at the stars that were shining brightly. The sky was perfectly clear. Matthew held me close to him. I could feel his nose in my hair. I thought about telling my mom about he and I. I knew that was going to be an interesting conversation. Simone freaked out for about 10 minutes, but as my best friend promised to not tell a soul.

  I wondered how long we could keep this a secret and if this would even work. I didn’t agree with all his political decisions and I felt like he was a heartless bastard because of some of them. It was hard to justify being in a relationship with him when I felt that way about his decisions as president.