NationStates Jolt Archive

President Rice was pacing her office. Standing all of 5'5 with brown hair, she was the smallest person in her own office but commanded more respect.

In her office stood Greg Marshall (Head of Presidential Security), Rachel Peterson (Secretary of State), her aide Melissa, Press Secretary Thomas Gerheart and General Duncun, head of the military.

"Alright. We are close now for the visit of King John Antonette. This is an official State Visit. As such, we are going to do things by the book. Madam Secretary Peterson, you will be with me as we greet His majesty. Yes I know you don't like monarchs but you'll have to put aside those feelings."

"I understand madam President. It is an honor to be with you to great King John."

"Very well. Marshall, since you are head of my security, your also going to have to protect him as well. He is a guest here and thus requires it. He'll probably have his own security but your the main man. It'll be your responsiblity to protect him and me."

"Don't worry. We have closed down all major roadways to and from the Memorial Airport. Also, our agents will be on roof tops and beside both of you. Barracades are up for the motorcade. The People would like to see both of them. Though he is a monarch, extra security is being presented. Local cops are being involved in all of this as well."

"Good to hear. Make sure that everything goes smoothly. We don't want any security mixups nor screwups. It won't look well on us if it does. Our prestige is at stake with this visit." She then turned to her Press Secretary. "I'm sure you have a press release?"

"Yes ma'am. I also sat up a press conference for the both of you. I'm sure the standard questions will come up."

"Good. Duncun, I know I don't have to tell you your job!"

"No ma'am. My forces are ready and are in full dress uniform. They will receive the proper greeting as befitted the head of state.The king will have full protection and training sessions are in place for any encounter."

"Good because he will be visiting a training base for our forces. Before you object General, this was my idea and as your Commander your overruled. He is technically an ally and he will be treated as such."

"Yes ma'am" he said stiffly at having been rebuffed before he could object.

"Well then. I believe that is about it. Until he is on final, meeting adjourned.

When the meeting broke off, she headed back to her room and decided to change into the best of her formal clothes. She took out a red ballroom gown with red sequence made of silk. She smoothed it out and proceeded to change. When she finished, she put on garnet earings and a matching ring. She then proceeded down to the main enterence to join her Secretary of State and her chief aide.

Out at the Waltz City Memorial Airport, the last minute preparations for the arrival of His Majesty King John Antonette were being accomplish. The Formal Dances Honor Guard and troops from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Navy begin to form up to welcome him. The band from the Waltz City Air Base marches into position and the red carpet is rolled out.

Back at the Executive Building, President Rice meets up with her Secretary of State and aide.

"Shall we go?"

"Yes ma'am."

They executed the building and proceeded to the airport. When they arrived, they went inside the building to wait the landing of King Antonette.

This is Burgundian One, requestiong permission to land.

This is Burgundian One, requestiong permission to land.

Burgundian One, this is Waltz City Memorial Control. You are cleared for immediate landing.

When this was sent, President Rice was notified and she walked out of the airport with her aide and Secretary of State to greet the King.

(FD, where did you go?!)

((Tag))

(FD, where did you go?!)

OOC: I just needed a break but I'm back now :)

The massive plane smoothly landed. A Ridgian color guard, bearing the Ridgian flag with guards on each side. They carried muskets and wore red uniforms (http://www.stanleywhitman.org/images/redcoats1.jpg), though some guards armed with modern weaponry was inside the jet. Two Imeprial Guards appeared at the door, and then King John Antonette appeared at the door. He walked down the steps, the two guards followed, holding muskets as well. He wore one of his military dress uniform, a crown his insignia. (http://www.geocities.com/maltaknight1/site_contents/knights/knight4.jpg) AT his side hung the Monarchal Sword of St. Michael the archangel, crafted by St. Michael himself. He also wore his crown (http://www.mninter.net/~short/crown%20jewels%20edwards%20crown.jpg).

As he stepped off, and squad of Ridgian soldiers, also clad in ceremonial dress. http://www.stanleywhitman.org/images/redcoats1.jpg.

Over the loudspeaker played the Ridgian National Anthem, Immaculate Mary. The soldiers saluted, and the Ridgian flag dipped. At its conslusion, the soldiers fired off their volleys, and a guard followed Antonette to Ms. Rice. Antonette took Ms. Rice's hand, and kissed it saying,
"Madam President". The guard presented her with a bottle of Ridgian Premier, the finest Red Wine in Burgundy. He whispered,
"I will give you a bottle of water later. Ceremonial stuff. You can give it away later." He smiled. A drummer did a drum roll, and the ranking CR officer announced,
"KING JOHN ANTONETTE OF CHERRY RIDGE AND BURGUNDY"

He nodded to the other Formal Dance officials, but stayed by Ms. Rice, and waited.

When the Cherry Ridge Anthem ended, The Formal Dances Anthem, Formal Strong. When it started, the military guards stayed at its salute and President Rice put her hand over hear heart.

At its conclusion, President Rice turned to King Antonette. When he handed her the bottle of Red Wine she took with a bow.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. On behalf of the people of Formal Dances, I welcome you in the name of Peace and Friendship. As a token of my goodwill towards the people of Cherry Ridge, I present to you a bottle of our best wine, Dancer." She hands him the bottle.

"Allow me to introduce to you our Secretary of State Rachel Peterson and my Aide Melissa."

He took the bottle, and handed it to the guard saying to Ms. Rice,
"On behalf of Cherry Ridge, I thank you."

He said to Rachel and Melissa,
"Nice to meet you."

He took the bottle, and handed it to the guard saying to Ms. Rice,
"On behalf of Cherry Ridge, I thank you."

He said to Rachel and Melissa,
"Nice to meet you."

"Its nice to meet you too, Your Majesty. I look forward to talking more with you and forging a closer relationship between our two nations" Rachel stated.

Melissa just curtsied.

"If you would follow me, Your Majesty, we'll have a tour of the city as we head to the Capitol Hotel for your Reception." President Rice said.

He replied,
"I look forward to that as well."

He followed Ms. Rice and then commented to her,
"That is a beautiful dress."

He replied,
"I look forward to that as well."

He followed Ms. Rice and then commented to her,
"That is a beautiful dress."

"Thank you" Rice stated as she blushed at the Compliment. "You look handsome in your uniform."

"Thank you, Madam-President." he said giving a slight bow.

"Thank you, Madam-President." he said giving a slight bow.

"Your Welcome your Majesty."

They approached the car and a guard opened the door and President Rice entered the car.

ooc- heres John Antoenttes pic, for reference- http://en.wikipedia.org/upload/f/ff/Reich.jpg
ic-
He followed the President intot he car and pulled out a 30 carat diamond and handed it to her,
"For you, madam."

ooc- heres John Antoenttes pic, for reference- http://en.wikipedia.org/upload/f/ff/Reich.jpg
ic-
He followed the President intot he car and pulled out a 30 carat diamond and handed it to her,
"For you, madam."

She just stared at the ring.

"That is gorgeous. I thank you." is all she could manage as she took the ring from Antonette.

"I'm glad you like it." he said, nudging a little closer.

"I'm glad you like it." he said, nudging a little closer.

President Rice just smiled warmly at him. "How do you like my country?"

"It is beautiful country." he said, looking at her.

"It is beautiful country." he said, looking at her.

"We are now passing memorial park. It is the park dedicated after our revolution. It has the names of those that gave up their lives in the fighting. The names are from all sides of the battle. We felt it best to do it that way to promote the healing process. We do have an appointment here to lay a wreath in commemoration."

Antonette replied,
"I look forward to that. Where are we going next?" he said.

Antonette replied,
"I look forward to that. Where are we going next?" he said.

"Next will be Capitol Road. Here will be the Capitol Hotel which is on the periphery of the mall that houses most of our museums. Beyond it, you'll see our Supreme Court Building (rolls eyes), Legislative building and the Executive Building. All three buildings are close to eachother. On the other side of the mall is the Presidential Manson." Katherine said as she looks into Antonette's eyes then looks away shyly.

He nudged closer. He was about 2 inches away from her now. He took off his sword and said,
"This sword was crafted by St. Michael. As you saw it glows white in battle." He was going to continue, but saw her looking away. He slowly took her ahnd and placed it on the sword,
"Now you are the second human being to touch it." He began stroking her hand softly.

He nudged closer. He was about 2 inches away from her now. He took off his sword and said,
"This sword was crafted by St. Michael. As you saw it glows white in battle." He was going to continue, but saw her looking away. He slowly took her ahnd and placed it on the sword,
"Now you are the second human being to touch it." He began stroking her hand softly.

"Its a very nice sword. Very ornate. Fine Craftsmanship. Reminds me of something in the Formal Dances Natural History Museum." She said. She takes in a deep breath as she stares at Antonette. "We'll be arriving at the Capitol Hotel, the Best Hotel in our country. It also has the biggest ballroom and that is where the state dinner is being held at."

He stopped stroking her hand, but instead held it, waiting for her reaction.

She withdraws her hand as the Car pulls up to the Capitol Hotel.

"Do you want to get settled into your room first or do you want the tour of the Mall?"

"My stuff can wait. We can take the tour first." He reattached his sword, and looked Katherine straight in the eye.

The car stopped and another guard opened up the door. Katherine got out and security made sure that no threats were near by.

"Shall we go to the History Museum so you can get a better insight as to our turbulent past?"

"That would be nice." he said, getting out next to her. He had removed his cape and his crown, so he was more comfortable.
"Thats just for ceremonial stuff."

"That would be nice." he said, getting out next to her. He had removed his cape and his crown, so he was more comfortable.
"Thats just for ceremonial stuff."

"I know how that goes. I remember watching Ceremonies on TV when we had a monarchy. I'll admit, it looked nice on TV. " She stated as she walked down the mall towards the museum. "I wouldn't be wearing this gown if it weren't for meeting you. I prefer other formal attire than this dress but protocol demanded that I wear this type of dress."

She slowly walked very closeto Antonette as they entered the museum. "This musuem survived the war we had. When it ended and our new government established, we decided to add a wing to it to show the horrors of that war. Ironically, it is one of our better attractions."

She led him through the main entrance. In the main hall is an old picture of the Monarchy. "This we decided to keep. It is history and the Hapsburgs did establish this musuem. They also established Formal Dances here on Waltz Island. Over the course of a century, we stretched over all the islands that make up this country."

She led him to a directory! "I'll let you pick where you want to go." She said as she looks back up into his eyes.

"I am sure you look pretty in anything." he said. "I guess we should visit that new wing abour your revolution. I want to learn more about it." He looked back into her eyes.

"I am sure you look pretty in anything." he said. "I guess we should visit that new wing abour your revolution. I want to learn more about it." He looked back into her eyes.

"Thank you" she said, staring into his eyes, she whispers "As for the new wing and our revolution, it is a rather bloody conflict." She sighs as she actually gets abit closer to him than she planned. She led him down the aisle towards the new wing, passing a timeline of Formal Dances History from the first dynasty to dictatorship to the old monarchy. When they approached the new wing, she took a deep breath and led him in.

"This is the history of our war. It actually started not in the capitol but in Tiara City, my home town. We had a demonstration that turned violent. When word hit that the protest was put down with the police, an armed citizenry stormed city hall. Word quickly spread of the revolt and before long, the nation was in full scale rebellion." She passed pictures of the uprisings. "The military was split and that made the conflict even more bloodier."

She continued around the room and stopped. She turned to a picture and smiled. "This was me when I disobeyed my mom and joined the fight. This is at Fox Trot City. The Monarchist forces had the city but with the help of the army and the rebel air force, managed to take the city. My oldest brother died there." She stated. "All around here are stories, letters, pictures, memoriablia from that war. You'll find the list of atrocities committed by the Monarchists as well as by those on my own side. The war was just terrible. I still couldn't believe I fought in this war being the type of person I am. I guess that is why nothing scares me hardly at all anymore. The Battle of Waltz City was very very bloody. I was wounded there myself but managed to stay in the fight. I help lead the charge on the palace itself and helped raise the new Formal Dances Flag when we did take it." She started to tear up remembering the death and destruction of that war. "When it was over, we invited those that did fight for the monarchists into our new government and most of them agreed. We all formed the new constitution and that is how we got our new government." She paused and pointed to the Constitution of Formal Dances that is being guarded by 2 museum guards. She got choked up that she sat down on the bench near it. "It was just so terrible." she said and tried not to break down.

John saw her getting upset. He sat doen next to her and said,
"I'm sorry for picking this. I didn't realize..." His voice trailed off. He got very close to her. He put his arm around her and whispered,
"Its ok, Katherine. Its over now."

John saw her getting upset. He sat doen next to her and said,
"I'm sorry for picking this. I didn't realize..." His voice trailed off. He got veryto her. He put his arm around her and whispered,
"Its ok, Katherine. Its over now."

"Yes I know" she said as she put her head on his sholder. "Sometimes I still have nightmares about it and find myself staring out my bedroom window overlooking Memorial Park."

She lets him hold her close.

He took his hand, and softly moved her face towards his. He went to kiss her, waiting for her to make the next move.

He took his hand, and soflt moved her face towards his. He went to kiss her, waiting for her to make the next move.

She let him move her face towards his and kissed.

The guards standing near the Constitution decided to turn their backs on the specticle though one of them was shaking his head.

After they were done, he pulled back, and whispered,
"Katherine, I love you."

After they were done, he pulled back, and whispered,
"Katherine, I love you."

Katherine gets alittle choked up. "John, I.. I.. I love you too. Ever since the first time we've met though we didn't really like eachother much then but even then I had an inkling that something was there."

Antonette nodded and held her close to him.

"I do think that we should head to the Executive Building now John. We do have a press conference to do and the Press would eat both of us up alive if we're late." she stated not wanting to let go.

At that moment, her aide appeared.

"Madam Pres...." She started to say but stopped mid sentence. She cleared her throat to get there attention.

"Yes Melissa?" Rice stated.

"It is time for the Press Conference at the executive Building ma'am."

"I actually just said that."

She turned to John and sighed. "I guess we really should face the vultures."

He looked at Melissa, and then back at Katherine. "I guess we should go now."

He looked at Melissa, and then back at Katherine. "I guess we should go now."

Katherine stood up and walked down the main hall again and exited the museum. She stood very close to John as they made their way to the Executive Building. When they neared the building, the security guards broke ranks and left as the military guards took over.

They walked over to the side entrence that only the President and her guests can use. When they walked through it, they walked down a side hallway leading to the Press room. They passed the flags of Formal Dances and then approached the Press Room. When they entered, everyone stood up and both Rice and John took their places at the podium.

"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, as President of Formal Dances it is my duty to introduce to you all, His Royal Majesty, King of Burgandy, John Antonette. Your Majesty, do you want to make your opening statements first?"

"Thank you Katherine." He then began,

"First of all, I would like to say that you have a beautiful country, and a beautiful president. Our countrys havn't always had the best relations. I do, however, look forward to much closer relations with Formal Dances. I know many of you dislike monarchies, but please, do not think that all monarchies are evil. Thanks for allowing me to visit your nation." He turned to President Rice,
"Ms. Rice?"

"Thank you Katherine." He then began,

"First of all, I would like to say that you have a beautiful country, and a beautiful president. Our countrys havn't always had the best relations. I do, however, look forward to much closer relations with Formal Dances. I know many of you dislike monarchies, but please, do not think that all monarchies are evil. Thanks for allowing me to visit your nation." He turned to President Rice,
"Ms. Rice?"

Trying to keep herself composed from the beautiful president comment, she went one.

"It is an honor to have you here. Ladies and Gentlemen, I have known King John since a conference that I attended. That is how this inventation came about. It is a show of solidarity between our two nations who are both part of Greater Prussia. It is a show that, though we have differences, we can live peacefully side by side with one another. He is a good person."

She took a sip of water. "As many of you know, the reception will be held at the Capitol Hotel and it will be broadcasted live. Tomorrow is also a big day for Formal Dances. A day in which the final victory was achieved over the Hapsburg family here in Waltz City. To commemorate it, King John and I will have a wreath laying ceremony in Memorial Park at the Wall of Honor. You have anything to add your majesty?"

"No, madam. I guess the press can ask questions now?"

"No, madam. I guess the press can ask questions now?"

"Your Majesty! Thomas Cunningham, Formal Dances News Network We know that you went to the Museum of History. I was wondering what you thought of the wing that was dedicated to the ousting of the brutal Hapsburgh Monarch?"

(FD visit me! :P)

(FD visit me! :P)

(Sure if you want but that'll take time to set up)

"First off, Mr. Cunningham, I have a few relatives who are Hapsburgs. Second, I was told that the wing was dedicated to both sides of the conflict. I saw things about travestys commited by both sides. I was also told there are former monarchists in the current government."

----------
A Ridgian reporter said,
"Ms. Rice,Rudolph Hess, Ridgian News Network. Is it true that you are having an affair with King Antonette?"

"First off, Mr. Cunningham, I have a few relatives who are Hapsburgs. Second, I was told that the wing was dedicated to both sides of the conflict. I saw things about travestys commited by both sides. I was also told there are former monarchists in the current government."

----------
A Ridgian reporter said,
"Ms. Rice,Rudolph Hess, Ridgian News Network. Is it true that you are having an affair with King Antonette?"

Katherine Rice fidgeted slightly at the question. "I suggest you look up the definition of the word affair Mr. Hess so the answer to your question is no! There isn't an affair going on between King John and myself."

"Your Majesty, Kelly Montgomery of Waltz City Channel 6 TV. "How do you feel about the anti-monarchist rehtoric that has been spouting from my colleagues here in the press and was wondering how you are feeling about your impeding trip to Memorial park?"

"I feel that they have gone through a lot. I can understand there hatred for monarchy, because some Ridgians have a hatred for republicanism. This is our nations forst good experiance with a republic. About my trip to Memorial Park tomorrow, I feel that it will be a solemn, but joyous occassion. Solemn, remembering the lost lives. Joyous, because it signifys the end to your civil war."

---------
"Ms. Rice,Patrick McLaughlin, Cherry Ridge Unified News Network (CRUNN). is it true you have not yet completed school?"

Antonette glanced at Katherine, knowing that he would get a sharp answer back from her.

"I feel that they have gone through a lot. I can understand there hatred for monarchy, because some Ridgians have a hatred for republicanism. This is our nations forst good experiance with a republic. About my trip to Memorial Park tomorrow, I feel that it will be a solemn, but joyous occassion. Solemn, remembering the lost lives. Joyous, because it signifys the end to your civil war."

---------
"Ms. Rice,Patrick McLaughlin, Cherry Ridge Unified News Network (CRUNN). is it true you have not yet completed school?"

Antonette glanced at Katherine, knowing that he would get a sharp answer back from her.

"I actually have completed school and am working on an advanced degree in Political Science. Amazing how much time you can squeeze into studying while running a country." she replied with a chuckle. "Thanks ladies and gentlemen."

With that, she turned from the podium and proceeded to exit the press room amid the yammering of questions from more media members. When she hit the hallway, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Antonette followed her and said,
"That was a close." He stood close to her, and said, "To the office, now?"

Antonette followed her and said,
"That was a close." He stood close to her, and said, "To the office, now?"

"Yes too the office and your right, it was close." They walked down the hall way and climbed up a spiral staircase.

"That Hess I swear. He really does need to look up the word affair in the dictionary." She said as she lead him into her office.

"Well here it is, my office."

"He is a stupid man." he said. He shut the door behind him. He moved closer to her, and went to kiss her.

"He is a stupid man." he said. He shut the door behind him. He moved closer to her, and went to kiss her.

"I agree" she said as she welcomed the kiss and lets it linger.

He pulled back and took out a ring from his pocket.
"Katherine" he said, taking a deep breath, "Will you marry me?"

He pulled back and took out a ring from his pocket.
"Katherine" he said, taking a deep breath, "Will you marry me?"

Rice gasped as John proposed to her.

"John... I..I... Will marry you."

He slipped the ring on her finger.
"Katherine, I love you."

He slipped the ring on her finger.
"Katherine, I love you."

"John, I love you as well. Now how are we going to break this news to your people as well as mine? That question will have to be answered soon because people is going to notice this beautiful engagement ring."

"I think we can break it to the press."

"I think we can break it to the press."

"And watch Hess go nuts? I do like the sound of that. But before we do, my mom and sis will have to be told first. I don't want them to learn of it through the press. That'll be tacky." Rice gave him another kiss. "Besides that, my mom normally comes up here to see me before a formal reception. She should be here soon."

"That would be better."

Katherine went to her desk and pressed the button.

Yes madam president?

"Is my mother and sis here yet?"

They just walked through the door Madam President. Shall I have them go ahead and enter?"

"Yes please."

Moments later, the door opened and Lauren Rice and her sister Wendy entered.

When they did, Katherine hugged both of them.

"It is so good to see you Katherine. Greetings your Majesty." She stated. Then she noticed the ring on her finger. "What is this?"

"Mother, King John and I have decided to get married."

"WHAT!!! But he's a King which is part of a monarch. How could you betray all you fought for." Her mother shouted.

"I haven't betrayed anything." katherine snapped back.

"I have heard that there are many former monarchs on the current government, madam"

"I have heard that there are many former monarchs on the current government, madam"

"Big difference of having former monarchists and having your daughter marry a king of a country."

"Mother, I love him. I always have. Ever since I've met him, I loved him. You always told me that you would know when you love someone. Mother. I'm feeling that now. Why can't you accept it?"

"Because he...

"Mother" Wendy interjected. "I don't think any amount of yelling is going to make them break up. It is obvious that she does love him." She turns to Katherine. "I'm happy for you my little sis. I wish you happiness in life."

"Thanks Wendy."

Lauren just stared. "This better work out because if it doesn't....."

"Mother. Don't worry ok. I do know what I'm doing. I maybe young but I am capable of making decisions."

"I guess it is hard to get over the past when you are my age." Lauren stated. She turned to King John. "You take care of my daughter Your Majesty."

"I won't let anything happen to her."

Lauren just looked into his eyes. Then she nodded. "I believe you are sincere. You will have my blessings."

With that, Katherine hugged her sis and mom then went over to her fiance. "The only problem I can forsee is Congress. They are going to be calling for my head on a plate. I believe that when we do announce it, that I call a full session of Congress so I can explain myself. That way, I have every channel and radio station to reach viewers."

"That might be a good idea my daughter." Lauren replied.

Katherine looked at John. "I know this isn't going to be easy for you to understand, but odds are that they are going to bring impeachment procedings against me. If they do that, I will have to speak to the Senate. Of course, the House could bring it but it won't go to the Senate at all. But there will be rules and procedures that will be followed!" She sighed heavily and sat behind her desk and pulled out a bottle of Tylenol. "I'm getting a headache." she stated.

"They are idiots. Don't worry about them."

At that point, Melissa entered the room.

"Madam President, the receiving line is in place. We can head down to the Capitol Hotel at your leiser."

"Thanks Melissa."

She looked over John. "Shall we go?"

Johns Cell phone rang. He answered it,

"Hello Cardinal."

"What? You didn't get approval from the Vatican? They denied it?" His face grew pale, but quickly regained its colour. He hung up the phone.

He turned to Katherine,
"I'm sorry. As King, I needed the popes approval. Unfortunatly, the Chamberlain didn't approve it. I have to" he took a deep breath, "Break off the engagement. I'm sorry Katherine." He had no words. He quickly found them,
"And I won't disobey the church." He turned away, and said,
"You probably want me to go back to Cherry Ridge. I can fly back right now if you want, or after the dinner."

Johns Cell phone rang. He answered it,

"Hello Cardinal."

"What? You didn't get approval from the Vatican? They denied it?" His face grew pale, but quickly regained its colour. He hung up the phone.

He turned to Katherine,
"I'm sorry. As King, I needed the popes approval. Unfortunatly, the Chamberlain didn't approve it. I have to" he took a deep breath, "Break off the engagement. I'm sorry Katherine." He had no words. He quickly found them,
"And I won't disobey the church." He turned away, and said,
"You probably want me to go back to Cherry Ridge. I can fly back right now if you want, or after the dinner."

President Rice stared at John. She slowly took the engagement ring off her finger and handed it to John. She tried not to look him in the eye because she didn't want him to see the tears that are wollowing up inside. "You can go after the Dinner or you can continue with the visit. I'll leave the choice up to you."

She then sat down on the couch and her mom and sister put their arms around her and tried to comfort her as she tries not to cry openly.

OOC: tag

President Rice got off the couch and left the office in a rush. She entered her bedroom and fell onto the bed and began to cry openly.

Antonette left the office. He retrieved his cape and crown,put it on, and walked back in.
"I want to go back to C.R. now" he said to an aide.

After Rice left and Antonette said that he wanted to go back, Melissa replied, "That might be a good idea your majesty." She said with a little scorn in her voice. BTW: You'll probably be billed for the reception that won't take place."

She lead him back down the hall and towards the exit. "A limo will take you back to the airport."

Back in her room, her mother was trying to comfort Katherine. "Its ok hun." said.

"No its not mother! My heart feels like it has been ripped out. I did love him mother."

"I know you did. I could tell. There are other fish in the sea."

"I know mother." She said sobbing. "Can you cancel the rest of my appointments?"

"Of course I can hun." she kissed her daughter and left as Katherine continued to sob.

Antonette said with sarcasim,
"Then I leave you in the grace and favour of the lord" He then said to Melissa,
"Tell her I'm sorry"
He hurled the engagement ring outside, and got into the limo. He looked visibly guilty but thought, I can't disobey the church, I can't. The limo drove away, and took him to the airport. All the Ridgians got on board, and flew back to C.R.

Antonette said with sarcasim,
"Then I leave you in the grace and favour of the lord" He then said to Melissa,
"Tell her I'm sorry"
He hurled the engagement ring outside, and got into the limo. He looked visibly guilty but thought, I can't disobey the church, I can't. The limo drove away, and took him to the airport. All the Ridgians got on board, and flew back to C.R.

Rice was watching him leave with tears down running down her cheeks. She thought it over as the limo pulled away when she picked up the phone and dialed his number.

*please let him answer* she thought.

As she was making this call, one of the guards picked up the engagement ring that Antonette tossed and took it inside. He decided to go ahead and give it back to President Rice though it'll mean nothing to her now.

Antonette, still in the plane, saw who it was on caller ID. He let it ring, then answered,
"Katherine, I'm sorry. I.." he stopped, waiting for a responce

Antonette, still in the plane, saw who it was on caller ID. He let it ring, then answered,
"Katherine, I'm sorry. I.." he stopped, waiting for a responce

"John, look. I was wondering if I converted to your religion, do you still need the pope's permission to marry me?"

"No, I don't. I still love you, but I can't disobey the church."

"No, I don't. I still love you, but I can't disobey the church."

"What if I visit the pope and explain things to him. Do you think he'll listen to me? I mean, with you there with me, I was thinking that together, we can gain the pope's permission for us to marry. I really love you John and I want to be with you more than anything. If not John, I will understand. I maybe hurt for awhile but if we can't be together in love and marriage then I'm glad to have you as a friend."

The guard that found the ring walked it inside the building and walked it up to the President's office.

"John, I do love you and I know you still love me. I want to do whatever it takes to bring us together."

The guard entered the waiting room and paused to be let in.

"Katherine, I don't think it will work. I still want to stay close friends." he sighed

"Katherine, I don't think it will work. I still want to stay close friends." he sighed

Katherine is trying not to cry over the phone.

"I want that too John! I really do but I do want to be your wife."

"Katherine, I want to stay friens, but I don't think it will work(spouses)."

"Katherine, I want to stay friens, but I don't think it will work(spouses)."

Rice just stares out the window when John said this.

"Take care John" and hangs up without waiting for a reply and just stares out the window.

She then turned around and walks to her closet. She pulls out a silk green dress for tomorrow's wreath laying ceremony.