The President's Charm

KATARINA’s POV

We were at the grandstand at Army Headquarters for the Changing of Command ceremonies of the Armed Forces.

The President was currently on the podium delivering his speech when my phone beeped.

‘Mom, where are you?’ It was Daphne demanding to know where I am. 

My children were still in the school for Dion’s awarding. He and some other students recently won a regional competition, and the school organized an event to honor their achievements.

I mentally groaned. I promised my son, Dion, that I would attend his event.

I checked my watch for the umpteenth time.

It was already one in the afternoon. The program will start at two.

Quickly, I sent Daphne a message that I am still with the President. I assured her though whatever happens, I will be there.

My gaze focused once again on President Aldeguer.

Dressed formally in the country's native suit, he looked dignified. He seemed happy this afternoon. He engaged the crowd with his speech, inserting funny anecdotes that made them laugh.

The President dazzled the crowd with his natural charm. It was a good afternoon, indeed!

But then, his glance swept to the location where I sat.  Our eyes met, and he frowned. 

The President must have seen the worry etched on my face. Not before long he concluded his speech and hurriedly went to my designated seat.  While walking in my direction, general and high-ranking officials blocked his path.  Everyone wanted to congratulate him for a great speech and bid him well. 

While everyone listened to another speaker on the stage, he turned to me.

“Problems?”

I hesitated.  My concern is non-work-related.  It would be inappropriate to dump my problems on him.  But the President insisted.  In the end, I found myself telling him.   

“My son Dion is going to receive an award today. I promised to be there.”

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier.” He said sternly, pinning me with his stare.

I sighed.  

“I planned to wait until you finish your speech, and then I will ask for your permission to leave, sir,” I replied, my expression sheepish.   

Nowadays, the President relied on my presence at the functions he attended.  His appointments would sometimes bring us to the farthest corners of the country, preventing me from spending time with my kids.  

He looked at his wristwatch and motioned for his head PSG.  Like clockwork, we followed him and started walking. 

“Come one, let us attend your son’s awarding ceremonies.”

I looked around. We have become the center of everyone’s attention. Self-conscious with the unwanted scrutiny, I scurried over to the event organizer to explain that the President needs to go.

I was still busy making excuses for ditching the event when my eyes zeroed in on the President. He pointed to his wristwatch and motioned for me to double-time. I hurriedly bade the organizer goodbye and walked briskly away to follow the President.

I had mixed feelings at this unexpected turn of events. It was a rare treat for me to spend time with my kids these days. Since I  took this job, my children had become increasingly disappointed on numerous occasions due to my absences.  

But Daphne and  Dion never complained. They understood the demands of my job.  

On the other hand, I could not repress the nagging concern I have for the President. It would be too uncharacteristic for a person of his stature to leave an official function to attend an ordinary high school event.

“Sir, I am just asking for your permission.  You do not have to come with me.  I can manage on my own.” I protested one last time.

He turned to me sharply while PSGs closed in on us.

“But I wanted to come. It has been too long since I did something unofficial like this. Come on.   Do not be a spoilsport.”  He grinned.  His eyes lit up, making him appear younger than his age. 

I stopped making a fuss when I realized that I could not change his mindset.  So, I decided to follow him.

When we arrived at Dion and Daphne’s school, everyone stopped. The principal ran to greet the President.  It was so funny how everyone became flustered with his uninvited presence.  In the end, the President and I got the seats of honor.

Daphne and Dion’s mouths hang open.  To say that my children were surprised by my presence was one thing.  But to be stunned speechless by the President's presence during their school's events was another thing. 

But it was incomparable to the happiness that radiated in my face when Dion performed his winning piece. 

My heart swelled with pride for my child. I sniffed. It made President Aldeguer look in my direction and whisper.

“Your son had the makings of a future politician,” he commented, which made me grimace.

“Please.” I scoffed lightly.   

The President laughed softly. As if my reaction was amusing.

After the event, the President bound all of us to his private suite where a surprise congratulatory party for Dion awaited us.  

Our eyes widened when my children and I saw the balloons dotting every corner of the President’s suite.  

And what was more?  A banner hangs on the wall that says, “Congratulations Dion”.

My son was speechless.   He did not expect this.  No one from among us expected this from the President. 

When he got to his senses, he bridged the space between him and the President for an exuberant hug.  

"Thank you, sir." He said profusely.

The scene put tears in my eyes. Daphne put her arms to my waist then laid her head to my shoulders as we both looked on at Dion and the President.

Above Dion’s head, the President and I exchanged a warm smile. 

"Hey, I have not given you your reward yet.' The President said before he handed Dion a gift-wrapped package.

Dion looked at me, silently asking for permission. 

At my nod, he eagerly accepted the gift and tore the wrapper haphazardly.

He jumped up in glee when he saw what was inside. 

"Nintendo Switch! Thank you, sir, thank you." He excitedly went to his sister so they could inspect the new gadget.

At our private quarters inside the Palace, Dion’s happiness continued. He displayed boundless energy as he and his sister started playing the Switch.

While they were still busy, I sent a thank you note to President Aldeguer. He asked if I could come over, and so I did.

I knocked on his door.

A short while later, a t-shirt and sweatpants clad President Aldeguer opened the door to let me in.   o

“Wait here.” He instructed before he went inside his room.

Without waiting for an invitation, I sat on one of the cushions and waited.

The President came back hurriedly.  In his hand, he held another gift.  

Is this another gift for Dion?  I frowned.  

I do not want to spoil my kids.  I want them to live within our means. 

“This one is for Daphne. I did not have the chance to give it to her earlier.”

I looked at him, hesitant to accept the gift from his outstretched hands. 

“It is not yet Christmas, Sir.” I pointed out.

“Well, consider this my thank you gift for them. I know that working for me takes too much of your time.”

A tiny prick of pain pierced the corners of my eyes. I thought he did not notice.  I cleared my throat before I spoke.

“T-thank you, sir. It was unnecessary but thank you.”

Like any parent, I am grateful for anyone who bestowed kindness to my children.  Daphne and Dion are my treasures.  They were the most important people in the world for me. 

The President shrugged in nonchalance. 

“It was the least I could do.”  He said and yawned. 

I watched as he tiredly stretched his back on the sofa. 

I prepared to leave. “Thank you, sir, Mr. President,” I said before I bid him goodnight.

He must have been too tired because when next I looked his way, he was already sleeping.

I watched the steady rise and fall of his chest, and then my eyes wandered to his face, where it lingered for a minute. The President indeed looked handsome even in his sleep. It is no wonder that women flocked to him.

It was a shame that he remained unmarried all these years. Although he is irritating at times, he had the makings of a wonderful dad.

I smiled to myself when I pictured the President chasing a toddler around the Palace.  Before I left, a decision played in my head.  I will speed up my assignment in finding President Aldeguer, the perfect wife.