“Please wait here, Mr. President,” the dark-suited agent gestured at a chair in front of a small cherry wood desk. The leather, high-back chair on the other side of the desk was empty.
“Why?” Howard asked. “I have far too much to do on my first day in office; I don’t have time to sit around waiting.”
“Just a few minutes, Sir,” the agent replied. He headed toward the door.
“Hey!” The President took a couple of steps and grabbed the agent’s shoulder; he turned him around. “If I don’t get an answer you’re out, am I clear?” The agent smiled through his dark glasses.
“Clear as glass, Mr. President. If I worked for you, I’d consider getting worried.” The President tilted his head at the agent’s answer; but, they were interrupted before he could ask more. The office door opened; a pale woman in a white suit walked in. She glanced at the agent on her way to the desk.
“Leave,” she said.
“Yes, Ms. Sharp,” the guard replied. Dana Sharp sat behind the small wooden desk and eyed the standing President. She did not speak until the guard exited and closed the door behind him. The President approached the desk, but he did not sit down. He stood and looked down at the dark-haired woman with smug confusion. He did not know who she was or why she thought she could give the President of the United States orders. Whatever it was, he was sure he could do it better. He worked hard to become the youngest President at 28; even though everyone said it was impossible.
“Unfortunately this will be a short meeting this time, Howard,” she said. “I’m in a bit of a rush today, but I’ll have my assistant, Melody, get with you soon and give you your full set of mandates.”
“MANDATES!??” Howard shouted. “Who do you think you’re talking to?”
“Melody,” she said while staring up at the tall, angry man. A shorter, rounder woman in a black suit poked her head through the office door.
“Bring me another one,” Dana said.
“Yes, Ms. Sharp,” Melody said, then closed the door again.
“Tell me, Howard. Who am I talking to?” He leaned over the desk and stared down his nose at her.
“I AM THE YOUNGEST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES! I worked my ass off to get here. I’m the leader of the most powerful country in the world. I tell people what to do, not the other way around,” he said.
“You know, I was so enthusiastic about your age that I didn’t give your personality nearly enough consideration,” she gave a slight shrug. “Next time,” she said.
“What? When?” Howard asked.
“When I chose you to be President,” she replied.
“BULLSHIT! I got here on my own!” Dana smiled.
“Well, it doesn’t matter if you believe me or not. Your personality seems difficult to work with; so I won’t.” Howard crossed his arms and nodded.
“As the President, I refuse to follow your mandates. I think not working with you is what’s best for the United States.” As he finished speaking the office door opened and Melody walked in. Behind her, someone that could have been Howard’s twin followed. The same youthful face with the same style dark-brown hair.
“How would you like to be the President of the United States?” Dana asked Howard’s doppelganger.
“Uhh… what do I gotta do?” he asked.
“WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE?!” Howard shouted. Dana ignored him to answer the other one.
“Just hang out and do what I tell you,” she said.
“Yeah, that sounds good. I’m in,” he replied.
“HEY!” Howard shouted again, he stepped over and grabbed Melody’s shoulder to demand attention.
“I don’t need that one anymore,” Dana said.
“Yes, Ms. Sharp,” Melody replied. Howard felt the ground disappear beneath him; he dropped like a stone in a well and disappeared.
