The President's Meow

It’s hard to say when the changed actually happened. Other than his wife and children, I am probably closer to the President than anyone else is. Before I go any further, I should probably introduce myself. Then again, maybe I shouldn’t. Let’s just say I have been with the President since his political career began. I have worked with and advised him through good times and bad. If you really need something to call me, let’s make it Michael.

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In all the years I have known the President, he has always been a bit peculiar. In recent years, he has had to deal with personal issues and the scandals that have occurred during his time in the White House. Then again, name a President who hasn’t had to deal with those to one extent or another. Americans love scandal and gossip, and they seem to expect it from their political leaders. Still behind the closed doors of the Oval Office, he was an intelligent and capable leader. You didn’t necessarily have to agree with his political views to agree with that.

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The first time I noticed something unusual was the day the Heads of State, and their entourages, arrived from several Middle Eastern countries for a series of meetings with the President and other Western leaders. Introductions went smoothly enough, although I saw a slight scrunching of the President’s face as he shook hands with the members of the Egyptian delegation. I couldn’t help thinking when I saw this expression, that if he had whiskers he would have been putting them forward. Fortunately, our guests didn’t seem to notice or at least they didn’t take offense at the gesture. He finished his prepared greeting, glanced at me then turned his back and left.

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There were a few raised eyebrows at this, but no one commented on his behavior. Of course, they may have assumed other matters were distracting him. As I handed out the information and welcome packets then introduced the VIP’s to their Secret Service escorts, I noticed the Egyptian Ambassador’s aide, an elaborately gowned and jeweled woman, almost reminiscent of ancient Egypt, was smiling softly as she followed the President’s departure with her bright blue eyes.

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