I was a member here a few years back (different handle) and posted some of this story. I stepped away for some time to deal with some life issues. During that time I reworked the story so wanted to share the updated story. Hope that you like it.
It Begins…
The morning was clear, chilly but with no wind to speak of. The temperature was typical for the time of year, low forties but the absence of the wind and a bright, sunny sky made it feel much warmer than it was. The crowds gathered along the route were much larger than any in a number of years attending previous events of the same vein. Those gathered were grateful for the weather it was much nicer than had been forecast a few days earlier. The level of anticipation was growing as the time for the ceremony slowly approached. This exercise in democracy took place every four years and had for well over two centuries without interruption. But the sense of anticipation for this one was larger than anyone could remember. Changes following this process were inevitable but the changes promised this time around were by far the most radical ones in living memory. News and commentary spread by the network talking heads spewed out.
The long motorcade, a mix of armored limousines and security vehicles slowly made its way along the heavily guarded route. The man who would be the next President of the United States was all smiles as he waved at the crowd as they drove by. His wife held his other hand as she waved at the crowd on her side of the road. Presently their car arrived at the designated building and the next part of the event. The man was moved inside and taken to the appropriate location. The time for ceremony had nearly arrived.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States solemnly raised his right hand while holding the Bible in his left. The man who would be the next Chief Executive laid his hand on the book and likewise raised his right hand to swear the oath that would make him the leader of the free world.
From a few feet away the very soon to be former President stood watching. She was careful not to display any strong negative emotions. That particular trait had cost her heavily during the elections. The media had been quick to pick up on her anger and broadcast it far and wide. Her opponent made few, if any, slips. The thought of this man…she swallowed hard to regain her composure. That this particular man would now be in charge of the government almost made her ill.
All the dreams she had of what she would accomplish while in office had turned to nightmares. A very hostile Congress slowed down or killed key bills and to her surprise, the population that did not embrace her policies. In fact her popularity never rose to the level that her aides told her repeatedly they felt it should. She had always felt that a large portion of the population was stupid, not ignorant, stupid. It showed how could they not see what she was trying to do? So engrossed in her mental state she completely missed her successor take his oath.
“I, Gary Allen Roberts…
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