Chapter Text
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"I'm your national anthem,
Boy, you're so handsome,
Take me to the Hamptons, Bugatti Veyron,
He loves to romance 'em, reckless abandon,
Holding me for ransom, upper echelon,"
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Victoria Liberty Belle Madison was careful, reserved, and a direct descendant of President James Madison.
She was also black.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was reckless, magnetic, and a direct descendant of Irish Immigrants.
He was also going to be President of the United States.
Meeting him was by chance, falling in love with him was accidental, and making history with him — as her calculating father-in-law once put it — was just "the Kennedy way".
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The Reluctant American Heiress
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"Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful?"
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The Cocky American Patriot
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"Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?"
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The American Dream
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"I know you will,
I know you will,
I know that you will...
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"I had never met people like them [the Kennedys] before...they were so confident and thoughtless — dangerous and bold. They did not live ordinary lives, because they were not ordinary people. It was honestly all so frightening, but also thrilling and remarkable — and Jack...oh, my Jack...was at the center of all of it. I should have known from the moment he smiled at me that my life would never be the same."
- Former First Lady Liberty Belle Kennedy, 2018
.
.
.
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"I've seen the world, done it all, had my cake now,
Diamonds, brilliant, and Bel Air now,
Hot summer nights, mid-July,
When you and I were forever wild,
The crazy days, city lights,
The way you'd play with me like a child,"
Young and Beautiful - Lana Del Rey (2013)
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July 2018
Former First Lady Liberty Belle Kennedy was a very private individual. Despite so much of her life being in the spotlight for decades, there was still so little that the American people knew about her. Her background, her personality, her likes and dislikes — so much of who she was before she married President John F. Kennedy was a mystery.
Even after his passing.
She was an enigma to biographers, who have only ever been able to scratch the surface of who she was — a descendant of President James Madison — the Father of the Constitution, born on July 4th, 1930, was raised by her uncle since the age of 10. No one knew the finer details — the history of the silent woman behind the lovely smile and gentle eyes, who captured the attention of the world along with her husband.
However, despite her mystery, her tenure as First Lady was distinct and profound, being among the ones next to Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama. She championed hard for civil rights and was historically closer to the African American community than any First Lady before her, breaking barriers and challenging social norms for their benefit. She was also interested in the development of young children and their education, wanting to build up the literary and mathematical talents of the next generation.
Working with her personal secretary and closest friend, Jacqueline Bouvier Husted, they brought about the White House Restoration project, restoring its historical character for future generations to enjoy, and forming organizations and committees dedicated to that purpose.
Though she did not speak much, having very limited speeches during her husband's political career, she still had a remarkable effect on American history — culturally and politically — and has become a distinguishable icon.
Which is why Chérie Gordon was honored to have been chosen to interview her and write her biography.
The young historian had always had an interest in the former First Lady, and was amazed so little was written about her. She was one of the most photographed women in history, but no one even knew her birthplace or mother — notes in history that seemed almost hidden.
Chérie was determined to learn them.
Sitting in the living room of the historic Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, Chérie sat face to face with the matriarch in a very homey setting. Pictures of the first generation of Kennedys to the latest littered the room in a grandmotherly way with a picture of the late President himself set next to her on a small table. Next to him was the current President, Jimmy Kennedy — her grandson.
To be the descendant, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother to a President was a historical phenomenon, but for Liberty Belle Kennedy that was her life.
With surprisingly still thick, dark hair at the age of 88, she sat across from Chérie with her iconic Mona Lisa smile — her skin tanner than the historian had imagined, but still wrinkled and worn with her pale green eyes still as bright from the pictures of her youth. She saw all her freckles as well as the one dimpled cheek that the President adored, and how round and high her cheekbones were.
Chérie also noted how very distinct her appearance was up close.
The structure of her cheeks, eyes, and lips were very telling — a thinly veiled truth that no one seemed to acknowledge. Liberty Belle was known for her picturesque beauty, but it was obvious now it was because it was not Eurocentric. In full color and up close, Chérie, who was a black woman, could easily spot another black woman on any given day.
And there was a black woman sitting directly in front of her.
Furrowing her brows, she had a list of questions forming on her lips but was speechless as to which to ask first, gripping the pen in her hand tight with anxiety.
How had no one not noticed before?
Taking a deep breath, Chérie finally asked. "Mrs. Kennedy, how long have you been whitepassing?"
"...Since the summer of...1940...when my uncle...took me from Georgia," She spoke, slow and careful. But not as if trying to think of words to paint a certain picture, but as if she was trained to do so to ensure her words were neat and easy to hear. There was a sweet Southern twang to her voice. "I've hidden the truth...for so long...it's time the world knew."
"Did he know?..."
For the first time that day, her smile lifted to her eyes and her eyes watered. "He was the first...to figure it out and...love all of me. I never had to hide...with him."
Chérie smiled at this statement — no longer seeing a sophisticated American icon, but a young woman in love. It was obvious she missed him.
It was also obvious now why she wanted the interview.
She wanted her truth to be told now — her story from her own words. Chérie understood this, and her responsibility in making sure she got it right.
"Mrs. Kennedy, when were you born?" She asked earnestly.
Liberty Belle took a deep breath and smiled. "July 4th, 1930 in Atlanta, Georgia. My father...was a biracial lawyer named Jamie Edward Madison...and my mother...was a black nurse named Elizabeth Gardner...they...were all I had in the world...u-until...1940."
Notes:
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for reading "National Anthem". I appreciate the love and support!
I blame Lana Del Ray and Taylor Swift for this emotional rollercoaster we are about to embark on. Meet Victoria Liberty Belle Madison — our protagonist.
Historical Facts
- President James Madison did not have any children, but for fictional purposes, he had three, and one is the linage that Liberty came from.
- Jackie Kennedy was engaged to John Husted in January 1952, but called it off because reportedly her mother did not think he made enough money for her. She met JFK that that same year in May.
Until next time!
Chapter 2: Chapter 1: The Fourth of July
Summary:
The historical Madison Family spends the 4th of July holiday with the large, influential Kennedy Family, where we meet Victoria Liberty Belle Madison - a silent young lady with lots of thoughts, curiosity, and a desire to see the world.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
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"They call me a dreamer,
Well maybe I am,
But I know that I'm burnin' to see,
Those far away places,
With the strange-soundin' names,
Callin', callin' me,"
Far Away Places -
Margaret Whiting (1948)
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July 1948
Victoria had read books like this — a beautiful, white manor, sitting close to the edge of the Atlantic with white sand and blue waves at its cusp. It was very serene and picturesque, persuading her to take a picture with her cousin's camera. She had never been to the beach before — or anywhere outside of New York when she thought about it. Unlike her cousins, who had seen much of the world, Victoria was restricted to New York City — often suspiciously getting in trouble before a family trip. Which is interesting to her since she spent majority of her days either in her room, the music room, or on campus at Barnard College.
Yet, her dear Aunt Portia was always blaming her for something.
Very interesting, indeed.
She was honestly surprised she was allowed on this trip. Most of her travel was through the books in her Uncle George's library, where she would indulge herself for hours — even in the more spicier material that her uncle kept tucked away. In the library, she was able to travel to London, Paris, and Madrid in one day — seeing the world in her own way with no assistance from her family. Though she could not wait for the day she could see it all for herself.
But for now, the salty air and seaside breeze of Hyannis Port, Massachusetts was enough for Victoria, freeing her for once from the clutter and smog of New York City. Taking another picture, she allowed herself to relish in the moment, feeling another sweet breeze rustle by her.
"What are you doing, kid?" William Madison questioned, pulling Victoria's attention away from the ocean. William was Victoria's oldest cousin — the only son of George and Portia Madison. He was tall and lean, having his mother's yellowish blonde hair and his father's hazel eyes. He had a rather long face with prominent frown lines. "Everyone's waiting for you inside — you know how mother gets."
Blinking rapidly, Victoria for the first time noticed she was the only one still outside — their luggage long unloaded and moved inside with their car securely parked away. She had a bad habit of blocking things out, but for so much to be done in a short amount of time without her noticing was concerning.
"You got to stop that daydreaming, Victoria," William scolded, taking her hand and moving her towards the house. "You turn 18 tomorrow, so you have to be more aware of your surroundings."
Victoria nodded in silence, vaguely remembering that tomorrow was her birthday — as well as the United States of America's. She briefly wondered if that was the reason why she was allowed on this trip, but quickly dismissed it. The Madisons never really celebrated her birthday — with just one gift from her uncle each year — but they did celebrate America's independence, going all out since their ancestor, President James Madison, drafted its constitution.
Her last real birthday that she actually enjoyed was when her parents were alive.
"Remember to be on your best behavior, Victoria," William warned as they went up the steps of the long porch. "This weekend is important."
"Yes," She thought sarcastically, rolling her eyes. "The relative that rarely spoke was going to be the one causing all the trouble."
But, yet again, Victoria nodded, not saying a word and being very obedient as she obviously always was.
When William and Victoria entered the manor, the Madison family was still standing close to the door, looking rather tense and impatient as another, much larger family stood close by. All eyes went to her, and she — hating to be the center of attention — directed her gaze up to William as if he was the blame for her lateness. He rolled his eyes at her antics.
"I found her, everyone," He informed the room. "She was off taking pictures of the ocean."
"She has a tendency to wonder off," Her Aunt Portia chuckled nervously before walking over and grabbing her hand rather roughly to drag her over to stand with her cousins. "Come now, dear, we have to make introductions."
Aunt Portia lined Victoria up with her rest of her cousins just like they had practiced at home. At the front was Amelia, who was the oldest daughter and favorite, with dark hair and brown eyes with a statuesque type of beauty that made her alluring and frightening. She was the cousin that Victoria confidently knew hated her as that was the first thing she told her when Uncle George first brought her home.
"I hate you — you're nothing to me."
Cora, the second daughter of the family who stood next to Amelia, was rather plain and uninteresting. She also had dark hair with her father's hazel eyes, but had no charm to work them in her favor. As the middle daughter, she was often overlooked and ignored compared to her older sister, and sometimes took out that frustration on Victoria by calling her a very dirty word that Uncle George told them never to use.
"At least I know I'm better than you — you're just a nigger."
Daisy, who stood in between Cora and Victoria, was the youngest daughter and the one who looked the most like their crazy mother — which was humorous to Victoria because she was her favorite cousin. She was blonde and whimsical, keeping her hair in a short bob so all attention went to her doe like brown eyes. She always wore a cheeky smile, being the playful younger sister that loved pranking her family. She was always nice to Victoria, but would leave her to be blamed if her pranks were not received well.
"Don't punish Vicki too bad, daddy — remember she's just an orphan."
The only outlier appearance wise in the family was Victoria. Unlike the rest the Madisons who were pale and Eurocentric, she had a glowing olive toned complexion with cat like pale green eyes and dark hair. Her cheekbones were round and high with one cheek having a distinct dimple, and her skin was dusted with tiny freckles. She looked like her mother, but due to her father's lineage she had a lighter complexion.
She was black, but her uncle insisted that she told the world she was white.
"Ambassador," Uncle George addressed a tall man with graying copper hair and cold blue eyes, wearing a pair of glasses. Victoria had recognized him from newspapers. The disgraced U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom — Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. "Meet my lovely family — my wife, Portia."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ambassador," Aunt Portia smiled — a little too hard for comfort. "Thank you so much for welcoming us to your home."
"The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Madison," Joe Sr. said. "You have such a pretty wife, Georgie."
A very small woman next to Joe Sr. cleared her thought at the compliment — her blue eyes watching him expectantly. She also had dark hair with a creamy complexion.
"Let me introduce you both to my wife," Joe Sr. said, stepping aside to let the smaller woman come closer. She was very stylish, but had a very strained and careful smile. "This is my lovely Rose."
"Charmed to meet you both," She nodded to them. "We are so excited to have the descendants of the 4th President of our country in our home."
"Thank you for having us, Mrs. Kennedy," Uncle George said. "My children are especially happy to be here. Let me introduce you to them — this is my eldest and only son, William."
"Pleased to meet you, ma'am."
"My daughters — Amelia, Cora, and Daisy."
"Your home is beautiful, Mrs. Kennedy."
"Absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you for letting us come."
"And my niece, Victoria."
All eyes settled on Victoria again, expecting a polite remark, but the pale eyed girl simply smiled, nodding her head to the Kennedy matriarch. The exchange caused an awkward silence to develop in the room that turned Joe Sr.'s smile into a frown. Aunt Portia noticed and quickly rectified the issue.
"She's terribly shy," She informed hastily. "Meeting new people causes her to freeze up."
"Oh," Rose nodded. "Well good thing you are here, dear. My children have the ability to make people open. You'll be a chatter box in no time."
"I highly doubt that," Victoria thought, smiling as Rose returned to her husband's side.
"Let me introduce my family," Joe Sr. announced, walking to stand next to a fairly skinny young woman. She was tall with stunning blue eyes and dark hair and the most prettiest smile Victoria had ever seen.
"This is Eunice."
"Nice to meet you all!"
Standing next to Eunice was another young woman who also had dark hair, but her eyes were violet and her smile was calm and simple.
"This is Patricia — we call her Pat."
"Welcome to our home!"
Victoria was caught off guard by the young man next to Patricia, who was staring at her rather hard. He was average height with brown hair, steely blue eyes, and a dimpled chin. Out of all the Kennedys present, he looked the less confident.
"This is one of my sons, Robert."
"We call him Bobby," Rose inputted with affection.
"It's, uh, nice to have you folks all here."
His eyes bounced to everyone, but settled on Victoria, making her frown at the attention.
"This is my sweet baby girl, Jean," Joe Sr. smiled. "Jeanie is also shy, but knows how to speak."
Victoria ignored the jab from the disgraced Ambassador and focused on the youngest daughter. Jean had a smile similar to that of her older sister, Eunice, with dark brown hair and blue eyes. She also had dimpled chin, but far cuter than her brother's.
"So excited to have you all here! Oh, and this is my friend, Ethel Skakel!"
"Howdy!" Ethel exclaimed with a bright smile. She had short brown hair with warm brown eyes and a button nose. "I'm Bobby's girlfriend."
The last Kennedy to be introduced was the baby of the family. He was stockier than Bobby and looked a little taller with dark brown hair and blue eyes.
"And this is my youngest, Edward."
"But you can call me Ted!"
"Where's Jack?" Her uncle immediately asked with a hint of concern. She raised a brow at the question.
"He'll be here," Joe Sr. stated. "Trust me — he knows how important this weekend is."
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The guest room Victoria was given was neat and comely, perfectly arranged with a vase of beautiful flowers to greet her on the night stand. There was one bed and dresser in the room with a window that gave her a beautiful view of the ocean. She opened it, allowing the ocean air to blow through the white curtains and fill the room. Propping her arms on the sill for her head to lean on, her eyes watched the waves in wonder, reminding her of the sea adventures of Moby Dick. She wanted to know what the water felt like, making a note to herself to explore it later.
For now, she will just watch each wave form and crash, drowning out the rough housing of the Kennedys below.
They seemed to have started a game of football on the lawn below, pulling her cousins into their fun. She found this amusing since all Madison women were as soft and fragile as they came, but she was just going to keep her mouth shut on that matter.
However, with everyone outside that did give Victoria the opportunity to do some exploring. Finding the living room, her curiosity led her to the large array of family photos scattered about. Scanning over them, she noticed that four Kennedys were missing from today's introduction — two boys and two girls. She knew that a Jack was missing from her uncle's exchange with Joe Sr., but where were the other siblings?
She pondered this as she made her way to the piano, taking it upon herself to sit down and open the keys to play. Music came natural to her — no doubt a talent passed down from her mother who taught her. It was a way to help her with her speech as a child — singing and whistling to music came far easier than talking for her. Her mother realized this and would spend hours playing with her just to her voice through singing.
"You're going to talk one day, my sweet Belle — just keep playing and singing until you do."
Her mother was always patient with her, so was her father. The only people who had a problem with it was her distant kin. Upon her first conversation with her Aunt Portia, she was immediately slapped in face and scolded.
"You're 10 years old — you should know how to talk properly."
Her cousins constant teasing did not help nor did her uncle's indifference to his wife's cruel corrective measures to get her to speak properly. She still remembered those long nights with her knees on a bed of rice for not saying a sentence without stuttering. She learned quickly it was just best not to talk — be as quiet as possible and the pain would stop.
And it did.
Remarkably, she was able to finish school and enter college without muttering a sound — her work ethic and written work making up for what she could not say. She was a Madison after all — when your ancestor drafted the very government that the country still governs by of course you are a genius. The same goes for her father and uncle as well as William and Amelia. Cora and Daisy were the only ones lacking, but they seemed to not care. Daisy knew for a fact she was going to be a trophy wife to some poor sucker, and Cora knew their family name alone would still get her far in life.
The advantages of being white and privileged.
Victoria could not live by such complacency. Knowledge was power, and with power came freedom. She wanted nothing more to be free — to do as she wanted and pleased, and see the far away places she read so much about in books.
Finding her right key on the piano, Victoria played effortlessly with her fingers, humming softly to the song in her head as her eyes found the sea again. Looking beyond it, she smiled at the possibilities waiting for her.
"Far away places with strange-soundin' names, far away over the sea..," She sung softly. "Those far away places with the strange-soundin' names, are callin', callin' me..."
"Goin' to China or maybe Siam, I want to see for myself...Those far away places I've been readin' about...in a book that I took from the shelf..."
"I start gettin' restless whenever I hear...the whistle of a train...I pray for the day I can get underway...and look for those castles in Spain..."
"They call me a dreamer, well maybe I am...but I know that I'm burnin' to see...those far away places with the strange-soundin' names...callin', callin' me..."
"I pray for the day when I'll find a way...those far away places to see...," She finished.
"So you do talk?"
Victoria jumped up from the piano in a panic, nearly falling over the bench when she found Robert at the doorway of the living room. He immediately ran over to her to assist her — an apology ready on his lips as she squatted his hands away.
"Sorry...," He said sincerely. "I didn't mean to scare you. I just came in to get some water, and I heard you playing...You sing really nice."
Victoria merely smiled, nodding her head to confirm she accepted the apology and waiting for him to leave. He did not. He stayed, smiling nervously at her, making the entire moment awkward.
"Um...," He started before taking a seat at the piano. "Can you play for me...please? I would really like to hear you sing again."
He stared up at her with gentle eyes, waiting patiently for her to sit down with him. Victoria only ever played for herself, not liking an audience but it looked as though the Kennedy man was not leaving any time soon. Sighing, she decided to sit down next to him.
"Do you take any requests?" He asked in a joking manner, but Victoria ignored him, playing the previous song she was singing. He did not complain, listening quietly to her play and sing. He seemed content with it.
When Victoria finished, she jumped again at the sound of several hands clapping, and turned her head to find everyone in the living room now — the clapping mainly coming from the Kennedys. Her family, who were rather surprised by her performance, only stared and smiled.
"And here I thought you were a mute!" Edward said, clapping the loudest. Victoria raised a brow at the comment.
"Can you play for us again?" Eunice asked, taking a seat close to her on the sofa. Patricia, Jean, and Ethel followed behind her, filling up the sofa quickly.
"Yes, please play!"
"That was so lovely!"
"I wished I knew how to play like that!"
Victoria eyes twitched at the attention, and turned her head to het uncle to get her out this situation. He usually diverted attention away from her, but before he could say anything, Joe Sr. patted his hand on his shoulder.
"Your niece there got a voice, Georgie," Joe Sr. complimented. "How about we all retire here for a while to hear her sing before dinner."
"That's a lovely idea, Joe," Rose agreed. "I'll ask Wanda to prepare tea for all of us."
"Then it's settled," Joe Sr. said, turning his gaze to Victoria. "Go on now, child."
Again, Victoria looked to her uncle, who gave her a nod to continue and she sighed. Turning back to the keys, she thought for a moment before pursing her lips together to start a cheerful tune before playing it on the piano.
"I love those dear hearts and gentle people, who live in my hometown, because those dear hearts and gentle people, will never ever let you down," She began, thinking her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. She remembered the small neighborhood she grew up in and the kids she used to play with there. Her neighbors — the Kings — were her favorite playmates. They used to spend hours outside with each other with the day ending with them either having dinner at her house or the Kings'.
"They read the good book from Fri till Monday, that's how the weekend goes, I've got a dream house I'll build there one day, with picket fence and ramblin' rose..."
The Kennedy women started clapping to the music, nodding their heads together in rhythm with the melody. Robert was also nodding his head — a pleasant smile on his lips. Her family did not say or do much, but smiles seemed more genuine now — the happy tune of one of Dinah Shore's hits making them at ease.
"I feel so welcome each time I return, that my happy heart keeps laughing like a clown," Victoria sung easily, smiling at the thought of returning to Georgia. There were so many family and friends she missed there. "I love the dear hearts and gentle people, who live and love in my hometown..."
Getting into the song, Victoria turned her head to Robert and song to him directly. "There's a place I'd like to go and it's back in Georgia, where your friendly neighbors smile and say hello, it's a pleasure and a treat to meander down the street, that's why I want the whole wide world to know..."
Victoria started ad libbing the beep and bops of the song as the entire room started to sing the chorus. She allowed their voices to take over as she continued playing, smiling at the harmony they were creating. Music had the power to bring people together, and it was nice for once to participate in normal family activities with her own family.
"I feel so welcome each time that I return, that my happy heart keeps laughing like a clown," Victoria sung, returning to close out the song. "I love the dear hearts...and gentle people...who live and love...in my hometown..."
For once that day, Victoria did not jump from the sound of clapping and blushed at the applause — even earning a clap from Uncle George, William, and Daisy. Aunt Portia, Amelia, and Cora only smiled — the corners of their lips never reaching their ears.
"You know I taught her everything she knows," Amelia lied, gaining the attention in the room. "When she first came to us, she couldn't even hold a tune."
Victoria did not even react to the lie, knowing how her family worked. Anything she exceeded in, they always took credit somehow. It was such a normal occurrence that she no longer cared anymore.
"Oh, wow! Would you like to play next, Amelia?" Eunice asked.
"Oh, I would love to, but this is good practice for our sweet Victoria — she can continue."
Victoria rolled her eyes, and began a new song.
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"H-h-happy F...fourth of J-july, Uncle G-george," Victoria greeted her uncle.
She found him alone in the sun room after breakfast, reading "The Great Gatsby" — one of his favorites. She enjoyed the book as well, having read it about five times. Ironically, Daisy was named after the Daisy in the book, and grew up to be very similar to her even though she never read it. Strange how naming a child goes. Her name was supposed to be in celebration of Independence Day — Victoria Liberty Belle (Victory Liberty Bell).
Her father had came up with the name as a joke, but her mother liked it so much it stuck. They had an interesting sense of humor.
"Happy Birthday, Victoria," Uncle George said, looking up from his book and peering at her over his glasses. He then stood up, reaching behind to his back pocket to pull out a long, neatly wrapped box. He handed it to her unceremoniously. "I hope you like it. It's something nice for you to wear."
"...T-thank you, Unc-cle George," She smiled with a nod. With nothing else to say, she left him to his reading, unwrapping her gift as she followed the sounds of her cousins and the Kennedys outside.
Within less than 24 hours in being under their roof, Victoria came to the conclusion that the Kennedys were very competitive people, who loved dominating sports. In what had to be their fourth football game since their arrival — mind you they just arrived yesterday afternoon — William had been tackled down for the tenth time with four of them being done by a Kennedy woman. One being painfully executed by Ethel. She was pretty sure when she witnessed the eleventh one while putting on her brand new bracelet, William was permanently out the game as he had not gotten up yet.
"You want to join the game, Victoria?" Patricia asked with a beaming, eager smile.
Victoria did not hesitate to shake her head "no". She knew she was delicate and fragile, and did not like the idea of being in pain on her birthday.
She instead found an empty rocking chair on the porch and sat down, opening up where she left off on in "The War of the Worlds". She remembered hearing a dramatized version of it on the radio that had their next door neighbor in a panic because they thought it was a real invasion occurring. It took her father an hour to convince him we were not being invaded by Martians.
Victoria focused in and out on the football game as she read, chuckling to herself from hearing her cousins' exhaustion compared to the Kennedys' tenacity. It was almost contagious — almost.
"You all started the game without us?" A new voice approached, walking upon the lush green lawn of the property. It sounded very Boston like the rest of the Kennedys.
"Jack!" Jean exclaimed, running up to the new person and nearly knocking him over when she jumped into his arms.
Peering over her book, Victoria found the entire group circling around "Jack" — her cousins especially excited to meet him. This new Kennedy was tall, skinny, and nicely tanned with unkempt brown hair and hooded bluish green eyes. He had a well defined jawline with freckles and a radiant smile. He also looked somewhat sickly — his thinness being slightly concerning. Everyone seemed overwhelming excited to see him, desperate to seek his attention and talk to him as he stood with two other young men close behind him.
Her cousins made their introductions, being sickeningly sweet and over flirty with the young man. He ate it all up though, making easy conversation with them.
"Welcome to Hyannis Port, ladies," He smiled, stuffing his hands in his wrinkled shorts. His entire attire was wrinkly as if he just threw on the first thing he could find in his closet.
While listening to Amelia talk, his relaxed eyes swept over the landscape, taking in the ocean, then the beach before glancing over the lawn to the house and landing on Victoria. His eyes settled on her, squinting a bit before an easy smile came to his lips followed by a wave in her direction.
Blinking at the wave, Victoria returned it, and brought her attention back to her book. She passively listened as another game of football was played with the three newcomers — the Kennedys winning yet again against their opponents. At this point, her cousins should stop before they embarrassed themselves any further.
Finding a good stopping point in her book, Victoria went back inside, vaguely hearing her name being called, but ignoring it. Walking past the sun room, she peaked her Aunt Portia having tea with Rose — no doubt gossiping with each other. She was hoping to go unnoticed, but Rose spotted her.
"Victoria, dear, why aren't outside with the others?" She asked.
The direct question put Victoria in a tight spot as she had to actually say something now instead of the generic head nod or shake. Biting her lip, she tried to think of a single word that could answer the matriarch.
"Mother?" A familiar voice called out entering the home.
"Jack?" Rose responded, and within minutes her son appeared, entering the sun room and greeting her with very brief cheek kisses.
"Portia, this is my second oldest, John — we call him Jack," Rose introduced. "He's the Congressman. Jack, this is Mrs. Madison."
"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Madison."
"It's nice to meet you as well, Congressman," Aunt Portia beamed. "Have you had the chance to meet my children?"
John nodded. "Yes, ma'am. They're not very good at football."
The chuckle that came from Victoria from the quip was accidental, and shifted John's focus to her. He grinned at her, letting a chuckle out himself before turning to completely face her.
"I don't think I was introduced to you."
"That's Victoria — George's niece," Aunt Portia informed with a sour look.
"Victoria," John repeated. "Like the queen?"
"That would be appropriate, but that was not the mindset of her parents. She was born on the 4th of July, so they decided to give her a celebratory name. Victoria Liberty Belle Madison would never be my choice, but to each their own," Aunt Portia shrugged with a conceited chuckle.
"Victoria Liberty Belle Madison?" Rose repeated, arching her a brow. "Were they not well?"
Victoria frowned at the question — not appreciating her late parents' sanity being questioned for their naming choice, especially by someone who did not know them. Yes — Victoria Liberty Belle Madison was a very unique name, but it was not a bad name. Her parents loved the name, and so did she.
"I like it."
Aunt Portia's chuckle came to an immediate stop upon hearing those words come from John. "Excuse me?"
"I like it," John repeated. He was still grinning at Victoria. "'Liberty Belle' — perfect for a girl born on the our nation's Independence Day. Very patriotic. How, uh, come we're not celebrating it?"
"Independence Day?" Aunt Portia questioned. "Well from my understanding, your parents are hosting a barbecue later tod—."
"I mean Liberty Belle's birthday."
Victoria rose her eyebrows at this. He was asking a pretty good question, and from the looks of it caught her aunt off guard.
"I—well, Victoria does not like celebrating her birthday. You know with it being on a major holiday and such," Aunt Portia lied. Victoria wondered how someone could lie so much, and not be affected by it.
"Well, we, Kennedys, always celebrate a birthday," John stated. "Even if it is on a holiday. Come on, Liberty Belle, we'll have a sailing competition in your honor."
Both Aunt Portia's and Victoria's eyes widen at such a statement — surprised by the declaration. Rose — who was used to her children doing as they pleased — merely sipped her tea. "That sounds lovely, Jack. Let's get the boats out."
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The sea breeze felt different on a boat, but in a good way. Victoria liked it — she had never been on a boat before, so the experience would definitely stay with her as a core memory. Feeling the sun on her skin with splashes of water raining on it was a new type of thrill for her — especially with the wind tossing her hair as it pleased. It was amplified by the Kennedys' need for fast sailing, racing their boats against each other for the never ending thirst to always win. It was insanity in a sense, because they all had nearly crashed into each other a couple of times, but they brushed off every near collision like it was nothing.
Victoria had somehow ended up on John's boat with his two friends, Lem Billings and Red Fay, and Amelia. Cora rode with Eunice and Patricia, and Daisy was with Jean and Ethel. William got saddled with Robert and Edward and was constantly fussing with them on what direction to take. Victoria was tickled by the sight, taking a picture of the trio as they were at each other's necks.
"Who do think is winning so far, Liberty Belle?"
For some odd reason, John had gotten in the habit of only referring to her by her middle name — completely disregarding her first name. When his siblings got word of it, they also started to exclusively refer to her by it. The sisters gushing in envy for having such a cute patriotic name.
"I wish my name was Liberty Belle," Jean pouted, making Victoria laugh.
The Kennedys were funny — and a little crazy.
"I think we're in the lead, Jack," Amelia said, answering for Victoria.
"Your cousin doesn't talk much, does she?" John asked. "Is there something wrong with her?"
"Yes and no," Amelia answered with a shrug. "She's a complicated little thing...but I'm not."
Hearing the smile in Amelia's voice, Victoria focused on the movement of the water, and tried her best to ignore how they were freely talking about her as if she was not there. People seemed to think just because she did not talk that her hearing was nonexistent. One of these days, someone was going to say something around her that was going to make her a very wealthy woman. She was waiting patiently for that day.
"That's a shame, Amelia," John responded. "The most interesting of people are complicated."
Hearing this made Victoria smile to herself, imagining the frown on her cousin's face from such a response.
John had ended up winning the sailing competition, cheering and gloating with a bright smile as his siblings sailed by shooting him the finger. Robert then suggested a competition back to the shore, maneuvering his boat to have a head start before everyone.
"That bastard!" John barked, leaping to direct his sails again.
Victoria held on tight to the boat as it sped up again, grabbing a hold of Lem Billings to ensure she did not fall off. It was a rougher ride back, but John ended up winning with an upset Robert screaming profanities at him. Seeing him in such a way was very different from the self conscious man that sat next to her on the piano yesterday. He calmed down though with a butt pat from Ethel.
With the evening rolling in and barbecue being prepared, Victoria thought the rest of the day would be more relaxed — but the Kennedys did not know the meaning of such a word. Tennis followed after sailing with Victoria dodging for her life against Ethel. For someone who was just a friend of the family, she certainly had the same drive of a Kennedy to win at any means. If Rose had not intervene by informing the group that the food was ready, Victoria was sure she was going end up with a ball in her face.
"We'll finish our game tomorrow, kid!"
Victoria shook her head.
"Absolutely not."
After dinner, Joe Sr. had arranged for an orchestra to come on-site to perform during the fireworks show, setting them up as the family had American trivia in the living room. This was the only thing Victoria saw their family actually winning because of their heritage. It was in their blood to know American history and politics. The Kennedys did put up a good fight though — until Edward was asked who was the 4th President of the United States. She felt so bad for him when he answered James Monroe and made his mother turn red. She was sure he would get an earful later.
When the sky was completely dark with nothing but stars, everyone was moved outside with towels and blankets in hand for them to sit on the lawn. Victoria found herself a nice isolated spot, but was soon joined by the oldest Kennedy, who instead of bringing his own blanket took up space on hers.
"You don't mind sharing, do you?" John asked with a playful smile. Victoria only stared at him.
"Is there a reason you don't talk?"
Victoria pressed a finger to her lips to shush him, and pointed towards the sky.
John opened his mouth to say something, but stopped when the first firework fired into the sky, exploding in color. All conversation among the group stopped when the show started, and everyone's attention was on the colorful show above them. Victoria adored fireworks, loving that her birthday was a day that she could always watch them. It brought a little bit of her childhood back with her parents.
"Happy Birthday, Liberty Belle," John said, eyes still fixated on the sky.
Hearing that tugged the corner of her lips.
"...T-t-hank...you..."
She was expecting him to turn to her in disgust, but he did not. He looked at her and smiled.
"You're welcome."
Notes:
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for reading "National Anthem". I appreciate the love and support!
So this story is a little bit more personal, because I did grow up with a stutter. I went to speech therapy up until my graduation in the 3rd grade. I rarely stutter now except when I am really excited or upset.
Speech therapy was still developing in the 20th century, so it was heavily looked down upon.
Historical Facts
- The Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts was their summer and early autumn home (and legal residence). Their home in Palms Spring was their winter and spring home.
- Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. was the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1938 to 1940. He resigned in 1940, and was disgraced because he publicly went against Franklin D. Roosevelt's stance against Germany and openly made it be known he thought the United Kingdom should have appeased to Germany before the start of WWII.
- The Kennedys had nine kids: Joesph P. Kennedy Jr., John F. Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy Cavendish, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Patricia Kennedy Lawford, Robert F. Kennedy, Jean Kennedy Smith, and Edward M. Kennedy.
- Lem Billings and Paul "Red" Fay were some of John's closest friends.
- The Kennedys were crazy competitive and loved sports and sailing.
- In 1938, a dramatized radio broadcast program of "The War of the Worlds" nearly caused mass panic, because people believed it was a legit broadcast of the world being invaded by aliens.
Until next time!
Chapter 3: Chapter 2: Drifting by the Ocean
Summary:
On the last day of their vacation with the Kennedys, Victoria discovers a secret, and must come to grips with the consequences it has on her family and future.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
❛ ━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━ ❜
"Gonna take a sentimental journey,
Gonna set my heart at ease,
Gonna make a sentimental journey,
To renew old memories,"
Sentimental Journey -
Les Brown ft. Doris Day (1944)
❛ ━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━ ❜
July 1948
The Madisons' last day at the Kennedy Compound felt like the end of a movie for Victoria. The four day holiday vacation that had initially started with just the two families was now a full cast of family, friends, and colleagues who all in one shape or form was associated with a Kennedy. It seemed as though as each day came more people arrived at the oceanfront manor, filling every inch of the property with either people on the lawn, at the tennis courts, in the pool, or in the ocean. It was a time to be had by all who was present, and Victoria was receiving an unknown amusement from it all.
Walking the property, she held William's camera close, taking snapshots of every lively moment that caught her attention — keeping record of this rare adventure outside of New York City. In every shot, she was able to catch a Kennedy in some form or fashion entertaining guests by either dominating them in some sport or captivating them in conversation. There was always a crowd forming around them — people eager for a moment with a Kennedy. Even with the historical Madison family present, all attention was on the Kennedys, and they made sure to take full advantage of it.
However, at the center of all it was not the controlling, copper haired patriarch, Joe Sr., but his charming, brown haired second oldest, John.
John had the most people surrounding him, following him from football to the sailing boats with the women being the closest and the men not being too far behind. With a wet, white tee on and some wrinkly beige shorts, he held his sunglasses in his mouth as he directed his sails, smiling carefree at the rush of the wind catching his sail and moving them smoothly across the water. Taking a picture of it from the grassy lawn, Victoria could understand the gravitational pull the congressman had on people. There was a likability to him — something that made you want to sit down and have a Coca Cola with him. He reminded her more of a movie star than a politician.
She was still trying to decide if that was a good or bad thing.
"Liberty Belle, I got you a Cola," Robert announced, running up to the silent girl with two Coca Colas in hand. "You looked like you needed a drink. It's pretty hot out today — can't have you passing out."
Victoria smiled, nodding at the third son as she was handed the beverage and took a drink. He took up the space next to her, following her eyes to the sail boats in the water and drinking his own Cola. They did this in complete silence, which Victoria was thankful for. She noticed that the Kennedys liked to talk a lot, and she did not. She preferred to watch, listen, and observe — studying people and the way they behaved for her own entertainment. She used to people watch with her father all the time, parked on their porch steps and their pale green eyes following every person that went by. He taught her that was the best way to figure out a person.
Like how Joe Sr. always kept someone young and pretty next to him, and his wife sipping on tea, looking far off in disgust. She wondered if their children ever noticed the coldness between them.
She pondered this, taking another drink of her Cola, and catching the anxious glances of the Kennedy next to her. Turning to him with a questionable look, Robert looked as though he was about to say something.
"Hey—?"
"Bobby! We're going to go play tennis!" Ethel called, running with Jean and another young man. "Come on, you dreamboat! You're going to be my partner!"
"Coming, Ethel!" Robert answered with a nod. He turned back to Victoria with an apologetic smile. "Sorry to leave you. Uh, you're more than welcome to come and watch."
Victoria politely shook her head "no", tipping her head in the direction in which Ethel and the others went, urging him to go.
"Alright...let me at least dispose of this for you," He said, taking her empty glass bottle. "I'll see you later."
Victoria nodded, watching Robert run off before returning her eyes to the ocean, smiling at the waves crashing to shore. Slipping off her sandals, she walked out of the grass lawn into the white sands of the beach, enjoying the soft texture against her skin and burying her toes in it. She inched closer to the water, jumping and squealing in delight when a rush of water pulled up to shore and tickled her feet. The feel of the water against her skin was far more refreshing than the drink she had, and she walked deeper in to enjoy the coolness. She stood like this for a while, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath as a breeze went by and another wave of water came in. She envied the Kennedys for having this type of joy to come to on the ready.
Leaving imprints of her feet along the shore, Victoria walked further down the beach, putting distance between her and the compound. She found herself a quiet place to sit close to the water, but not too far in which she could get completely wet, and be swept away. It was the perfect spot for her to be alone and just watch the water, allowing the peace and serene to transport away. She was not quite ready to leave Hyannis Port — knowing what life she would be returning to in New York — so she just wanted to soak everything in, remembering every sound, smell, taste, and touch. Pictures could only do so much, but a memory of how everything was could be cemented into your heart. CV
Closing her eyes, Victoria pulled her knees to her chest and listened closely to the sound of the ocean, smiling at the powerful movement of the water.
"Far away places with strange-soundin' names, far away over the sea..," She sung to the ocean, opening her eyes and looking far off. Her voice partnered well with loud crashes of the waves. "Those far away places with the strange-soundin' names, are callin', callin' me..."
"Goin' to China or maybe Siam, I want to see for myself...Those far away places I've been readin' about...in a book that I took from the shelf..."
"I start gettin' restless whenever I hear...the whistle of a train...I pray for the day I can get underway...and look for those castles in Spain..."
"They call me a dreamer, well maybe I am...but I know that I'm burnin' to see...those far away places with the strange-soundin' names...callin', callin' me..."
"I pray for the day when I'll find a way...those far away places to see...," She finished.
Victoria sat in that one spot for what seemed like hours, but she had no desire to move. She wanted to watch the water just a little longer, feeling it caress her toes as it pulled in. She was still smiling, but it was sadder now, slipping slowly into a frown. She did not want to leave this place — it made her happy to be there, and the last time she was happy was in 1940.
When her parents were still alive.
Crying in silence was a skill Victoria had mastered upon moving to New York. It did no good for her to cry aloud, so letting tears flow freely with a closed mouth was her outlet. It was like that for her for eight years, and if things went as planned, for two more years. In her father's will, upon her 20th birthday, Victoria could receive her inheritance and live on her own, and far, far away from her family. She was counting the days, and was working hard she ensure she was a college graduate by then. She wanted to be as independent as possible, so she never had to ask them for another thing again.
"There you are."
Victoria blinked, moving her eyes from the ocean to the approaching figure of John along the beach. His hands were stuffed in his shorts, and he looked a little drier — his tee not sticking to his body, but blowing with the wind. He was wearing his sunglasses with an amused smile tugging at his lips when stopped in front of her and sat down.
"I thought we were missing a Madison. What are you do all the way down here?" John asked.
Victoria did not answer him, but merely shrugged, smiling and hoping she had no lingering tears on her face.
"Hm," Was all John said before looking out at sea. "You know this is my spot."
Frowning, Victoria glanced over at the older party, watching his cool expression carefully. If he was telling her to leave, then she was not going anywhere. She was there first.
"I like to come here to think," John said — eyes still on the water. "It's peaceful out here. No one to bother you — just you and the ocean. I've made a lot of important decisions by these shores. The water helps give me a clear mind — so the only voice I hear is my own. It's easier...to talk the ocean than it is with people, ya know. It listens to you, doesn't judge you, gives you a safe place you can't find in people. I think that's why I love it so much...there's so much freedom here."
John was now looking at Victoria — an easy smile on his face, but his eyes completely concealed from her by his sunglasses. The eyes were the window to the soul, and you could read someone's intentions through them. Without them, she could not read John accurately. All she saw was a carefree bachelor, who — to her surprise — said something very insightful. Maybe he was a congressman after all.
"Everyone's about to head inside soon for a movie in the theater," John added, lifting himself up off the ground. "I'll try to save you a seat if your cousin doesn't snatch it up first."
John walked off without another word, leaving Victoria with only herself, her thoughts, and the ocean. She molded over his words, training her pale green eyes to the pull and push of the tides.
"...H-he's fucking-g weird," She told the ocean. It pushed to her feet as if agreeing with her. This oddly enough made her smile. "...I g-guess...he's r-r-right."
Victoria stayed by the ocean until late afternoon, picking herself up and enjoying her radiant tan. When she returned to the compound nearly everyone was inside — no longer in the theater downstairs but in the sun room and living room, enjoying lemonade and tea. Outside, a large white tent was being set up with tables, chairs, a dance floor, and an orchestra. It had slipped her mind that for their final night there that Joe Sr. had planned a party — a parting gift for their families' new budding friendship. It was all very nice — but very suspicious as well.
This was the Madisons first interaction with the Kennedys, so to not only host them in their home for four days, but to also throw a grand party for them seemed a little odd to Victoria. They were in all sense and purposes strangers to each other. To go to such extremes for strangers was very generous — but Joe Sr. did not seem like the generous type. In fact, from what she had observed, he seemed more like a taker — an opportunist, looking for the next thing to raise his status. A connection to the Madison family would do that, but her uncle always prided himself on their family name, and turned away anyone who wanted to use and abuse it.
So why were they here when that was obviously the goal of Joe Sr.?
"It's not that hard, Jack."
Victoria did not support eavesdropping — her parents taught her better. But if someone was speaking freely for all to hear, then she felt she had the right to listen — and she had excellent hearing.
Standing several feet in front of Victoria with their backs facing her was Joe Sr. and John, watching the crew assemble everything for the party. Neither had noticed her presence, so she stood still in her spot, quieting her breathing to hear their every word.
"There's three of them! You just pick one, woo her, and propose — it's not that hard to get yourself a wife," He huffed in irritation. "Especially with all I'm doing! Do you know how hard it was to get that bastard up here with his family. If he wasn't going broke, he would have never came! Now pick one already."
Victoria's eyes widen at this information — a puzzling look forming on her as she continued to listen.
"It's not that easy, dad," John argued frustrated. "I just can't pick a broad after three days, and decide I'm going to marry her."
"You will if you want to be President, Jack! You have female descendants of one of this country's Founding Fathers — who was not only a President, but drafted the very government we live by — under our roof for your pickings. People won't even care that you're Catholic with that type of legacy! You just got to choose one."
"Will they even agree to this?"
"They have no choice with how desperate their father is. They are very aware of their family's financial position, and are ready to do what is necessary."
"Thanks to you buying all his stocks and draining them dry," John stated in a cutting tone.
"I did that for you!" Joe Sr. hissed, getting in his son's face. "And I'll do it again. We need that name connected with our family, and the only way to do that is through marriage. Don't ruin this for us, Jack. Now you don't have to marry her now, but you need to pick a Madison girl tonight, and dance with her. I'll have a photographer ready to take the picture — that will be the start of America's greatest 'love' story."
❛ ━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━ ❜
The moon's reflection against the ocean was by far one of the most beautiful things Victoria had ever seen, and it irritated her that she could not get a clear picture of it on the camera. After trying three times, she sighed aloud in frustration, throwing her hat to the ground and kicking up sand before falling on her behind. Sighing, she brought her knees to her chest and focused on the water, letting its flow distract her from the thoughts running through her mind.
Her intuition was always right, but for once she wanted to it to be wrong. She knew there was something strange about this trip — something just did not seem right about it, but she would have never guessed it would be something like this.
Their family was going broke — and her uncle was pimping out her cousins to ensure they did not go homeless.
It seemed unreal, but by them being there it was true, and it was all due to Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. After hearing the Kennedy's conversation, Victoria ran as fast as she could to her room, not caring if they heard and locking her door. She had spent the rest of the day in there, and would have spent all night if her aunt had not threatened to kick the door down if she did not get dressed for the party. Her cousins might not have been her favorite people, but they were still family, and she hated that they had to give up their freedom of choice in a husband to ensure they still had a home. She refused to witness it, and when she saw a chance, slipped out the party to come back to the ocean.
This whole trip was a reminder to her just how evil people could be. She wanted to tell her uncle that Joe Sr. was the reason why they were having money trouble, but the possibility of him believing in her was slim to none — there was also the fact that she should not have known about the whole situation in the first place. He clearly did not tell her for a reason, so if she had told him, he would have questioned her on how she found out. Besides, it would not have fixed their situation. The money was gone, and there was no getting it back.
Victoria blinked.
"The money was gone," She thought, furrowing her brows. "My inheritance..."
"FUCK!" She yelled, jumping to her feet. "Shit! Son of a bitch! You bastard!"
The only time Victoria did not stutter was when she was singing or using profanity. She could let out a stream of it without stumbling on a word — especially when she was upset, and she had every right to be now. Her inheritance — the very money that was to give her independence and free her from the horrid facade of being a white woman was gone before she could even touch it. All of her father's money — his hard earned money gone. She wanted to do more than cuss, she wanted to scream. She was going to build a life with that money, and now it was gone.
She was having such a good time on this trip, and now — she wanted nothing more than to be back in New York.
Running her hand through her hair, Victoria took a deep breath, letting tears fall as she looked back at the sea.
"I-I hate this!" She exclaimed out loud. "W-why is life s-so cruel?...Why do I e-even care!? I don't e-even like them...but...th-they shouldn't have to marry s-s-someone they don't l-love. It's wrong!"
It was ridiculous to be talking to the ocean, but it did make her feel a little better — just a little. Walking into the pulling tide, Victoria wondered which of her cousins were picked tonight. The obvious pick was Amelia. Despite being cruel and cold, she was the ideal candidate for a politician's wife. She was beautiful, well educated, poised, and well mannered. She was the most sought out debutante of her year. She was practically glued to John's side the entire time they were there. He seemed to have liked her as well. The second best choice was Daisy. She might not had the witt and intelligence like Amelia, but she had the confidence and vibrance to be a shiny First Lady one day.
Victoria felt horrible for thinking about it, but there was no escaping it now. The Kennedys were now about to be her In-Laws.
"You wonder off a lot."
John Kennedy was the last person Victoria expected to see that night, but then she remembered this was his spot. Just like her, he was barefoot — his freshly ironed khaki pants touching the sand with his navy blue blazer wide open, showing his white button down and dark tie. He was smoking on a cigar, breathing out the smoke like it was the most natural thing to do. For the first time since meeting him, he held no carefree smile. His lips were in a hard line with his sea green eyes off in the distance, deep in the ocean. He stood right next to her, making her short stature obvious compared to his tall height.
A part of her wanted to hate him, but from the conversation earlier, she knew he really did not want to do it either. She did not understand why he did not outright refuse his father. He was a grown man after all — he could do whatever he wanted. Though looking at him now, it seemed he had no choice either. She almost felt bad for him.
Almost.
Neither spoke a word to each other as they watched the water, the moon providing excellent lighting to see every motion of the tide. Victoria wanted to exclusively keep her eyes at sea, but at some point she did take a glance at John. He was as still as a statue — his face cemented in a pensive state, and his eyes almost somewhere else entirely. She stared at him much longer than she had intended, and was caught when his face finally turned to her. He looked at her in the same manner, slowly turning his body to completely face her and relaxing his face. He did not look as tensed now, lowering his guard and focusing entirely on her — his eyes in clear view of the moonlight. Their focus on her held some curiosity and wonder — there was a thought forming behind them. Victoria did not turn away from the examination, staring at him with her own curiosity. They were both very alien to each other.
"May I have a dance with you, Miss Madison?" John asked, holding her gaze.
Victoria tilted her head at the question, furrowing her eyebrows. She had not been expecting that. John waited patiently for her to answer, tossing the small remains of his cigar to the side and stuffing his hands in his pockets. A rush of wind went by them, tossing his tie and her dress as it pleased.
Making a face, she looked around with questionable eyes, indicating the lack of music to dance to.
As if understanding her unspoken question, John cracked a small smile, and offered his hand.
"The ocean will be our music."
She hesitated, remembering he was the enemy, but also knowing he was going to be her cousin-in-law either way. It was best to make nice now. Taking a breath, Victoria slowly placed her hand in his, noting the rough texture of them, and brought her other hand to his shoulder. John held her hand in a relaxed grip and brought his other hand to rest at her waist. With no music, they began to dance by the ocean — the rush of the water being the only sound. It was awkward, and not helped at all by John's clunky dancing. Sighing, she decided to take things into her own hand.
"Gonna take a sentimental journey...gonna set my heart as ease...," She sung aloud, giving them a tune to sway their bodies to. "Gonna take a sentimental journey...to renew old memories..."
John, who was not there the first day to hear her sing, was caught off guard, looking down at her with a raised brow and an amused grin.
"You can sing?"
Victoria did not answer, but continued the song by humming it. Their dancing led them to the ocean — their feet wondering into the water as they made their own little world by the shore. She had better dances, but this was nice — even romantic if she was dancing with someone else. John unexpectedly picked her up and twirled her around, making them both laugh aloud before he unceremoniously brought her back down — still holding her but growing stiff and clenching his teeth. He gave her his usual carefree smile, but it was strained as if trying to hide something. He twirled her around again — this time on the ground — and the same lightheartedness that was previously there returned.
It surprised Victoria how she was actually enjoying the impromptu dance, but it could have just been her partner. His likability was hard to resist — almost dangerous. She felt bad for whichever cousin had to learn to adjust to it. He seemed like the type to charm his way out of trouble.
Pulling away from her, John dipped down into the water and stunned Victoria by splashing it in her direction — getting her dress wet and laughing at her expression. Shaking herself out of her shock, she flung some water at him, toppling him over into the sand, and her laughter filling the air. However, John did not stay down for long. He was a Kennedy after all, and Kennedy's always win. He was back on his feet in no time, tossing off his blazer and undoing his tie, and staring down Victoria with a determined look. She needed no further explanation of the trouble she was in, and took off down the shore with a playful shriek. John ran after her, easily catching up and making her fling more water at him. At this point he was soaked, but that did not stop his pursuit of her, or the large wave of water he splashed at her. Their playful back and forth went on for quite awhile — the party long forgotten in their game with each other.
The winner had ended up being John, who knocked Victoria to her bottom with a large amount of water, drenching her dress and herself. She was laughing so hard that she did not even care that her dressed was ruined. John soon joined her, falling close to her on his knees, and laughing just as much as she was. He was just as wet with his clothes clinging to his skinny body. They stayed like this for what seemed like forever, smiling and laughing at each other with the ocean close beside them. Victoria had not had this much fun in ages.
As their laughter died down, their smiles remained with their heaving breathing echoing into the night. For a time, neither could stop looking at each other — their eyes trained on each other with a common twinkle. Something was calming about the exchange. It was obvious neither wanted to leave, but Victoria knew after a while people would be looking for them.
Getting up to her feet, she held a hand out to John who reluctantly took it to rise up. Finding their discarded items, they made their way up the shore, allowing the wind to dry off their clothing. By the time they made it back to the compound, everyone was still partying under the big tent, but Victoria had no desire to go back under. Turning to John, she bid her farewell with a simple smile and wave, directing her course to the house instead of the tent. When she made it up the porch, she did not look back at him, focused only on getting inside, taking a bath, and going to sleep. However, if she had looked back, she would have found John's eyes still on her.
What was a moment of last minute fun for her was a deciding factor for him. He was tasked with choosing a Madison girl tonight, and he did.
He always made important decisions by the ocean.
Notes:
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for reading "National Anthem". I appreciate the love and support!
I'm thinking Victoria is a good mixture of Queen Charlotte and Scarlett O'Hara.
Historical Facts
- John F. Kennedy had a deep connection and love for the sea. He loved sailing, served in the U.S. Navy, and used his platform to advocate for the exploration of the ocean, similar to space exploration, seeing it as crucial for human progress and discovery.
Until next time!
Chapter 4: Chapter 3: One's Place in the World
Summary:
Victoria wakes up to horrifying news, and has no choice but to accept it.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
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"For every man there's a woman,
For every life there's a plan,
And wise men know it was ever so,
Since the world began,
Woman was made for man,"
For Every Man There's a Woman - Frank Sinatra (1947)
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July 1948
"You've done it now, Vicki."
Daisy's giggle and smile brought an unsettling feeling to Victoria as she opened her eyes to find the blonde lying next to her. Furrowing her brows, the brunette stared at her cousin in confusion — not sure as to what the girl was talking about, and not appreciating her taking it upon herself to enter her room and climb into her bed. Daisy knew nothing of personal space, invading any and everyone's whenever she got a chance. If they were back in New York, then Victoria would have just pushed her off, but since they were in someone else's home, she had to behave.
"Daddy and mama were arguing all last night because of you," Daisy continued happily, lifting an arm up to rest her head on. "And Mia — snapped her cap. I've never seen her so red before. You're in serious trouble, cookie."
Blinking furiously, Victoria quickly lifted herself up from the bed, and looked at Daisy with wide, frantic eyes. To her knowledge, she had done nothing to get herself in trouble since their arrival to Hyannis Port, and yet, somehow everyone was upset with her before she could fully wake up and get dress. Unless she had somehow went sleepwalking through the Kennedy's home and destroyed a family heirloom or antique, she was lost as to what she could have down from last night to this morning.
"W-what are you t-talking about, Dai—?"
"Where is she!?" Victoria heard her Uncle George call from outside her room door. "Where is she, Portia!!?"
"He's about to bust your chops!" Daisy whispered lowly with a giggle, bouncing off the bed as Uncle George barged into the room.
Before Victoria could even get herself out of bed, he struck her hard across the face, causing a harsh echo to broadcast in the room. She was used to her Aunt Portia's slaps, which were quick and stingy, but this slap was unfamiliar and painful, producing a throbbing ache on her cheek. She quickly grasped it, tearing up at the raw, swelling flesh and biting her lip. It hurt — a lot, but she was unsure if it was more from the slap, or the fact that her uncle hit her. Uncle George had never hit her before. He was always very indifferent and cordial with her — never outright being mean, but also not caring to stop his wife and children from being mean to her. If anything, she had thought he was the only one in the world that had some type of love for her.
But you do not hit the people you love.
Her father never even raised his voice at her.
"What have you done?" He hissed at her. "What have you done, Victoria!?"
Victoria did not answer, still holding her cheek as Aunt Portia, Amelia, and Cora walked in — all three equally shocked and surprised by her uncle's actions.
"Do you have any idea what damaged you've caused!?" He exclaimed, raising his hand to strike her again, but before he could Aunt Portia stopped him.
"George, enough!" She commanded, stepping in between them. "If you hit her again, you'll leave a bruise. There's no changing anything now, dearest. We got to move forward with what he decided, and we can't do that with her bruised up. We need her to be perfect."
"...Portia, if they find out...if HE finds out," Uncle George emphasized with fear, running his hand down his face. He looked fearful and crazed. "Joe is the type of man to ruin lives. He could take everything from us."
"He won't find out!" She declared, taking a hold of her husband's face. "And even if he does, their marriage will be so broadcasted across the country, divorcing her will only cause them scandal. He won't let that happen, or have word get out as to why it would. Besides..."
Pulling away from him, Aunt Portia turned to Victoria on the bed, who was looking at them with frightened, confused eyes. She tensed up when Aunt Portia sat down next to her, flinching when the matriarch brought a hand carefully up to caress her swollen cheek.
"He'll protect her secret far greater than we ever could — the last thing the Ambassador would want is for people to find out his son married a negro," She remarked with a false gentleness. Victoria's heart nearly stopped at her words, deepening her confusion. Her eyes jumped to everyone in the room, but no one offered her an answer. "Mia, bring me some ice for Victoria's cheek."
"Why me!?" Amelia exclaimed with a frown.
"Do as you're told, Amelia," Aunt Portia ordered with a stern voice. Amelia huffed, leaving the room to travel downstairs to the kitchen. "Cora, Daisy — go get dress for breakfast. The Kennedys will be expecting us soon."
"Yes ma'am." They answered, rushing out the room together.
"George, let me talk to Victoria alone," She said, turning to her husband. "I'll have her ready for breakfast."
George sighed. "Alright, dearest."
Uncle George left the room, leaving only Victoria alone with her aunt. Amelia had returned with the ice, and Aunt Portia placed it on her cheek while dismissing Amelia to also get ready for breakfast. They were truly alone now, which did not sit well with Victoria.
"Victoria," She began, pressing the clothed ice carefully to her cheek. "Listen very carefully now, Congressman John Kennedy is going to court you for the next year and a half until your graduation — and on your graduation night, he will propose and you will say 'yes', and you will marry him in the fall."
"W-w-what?" Victoria gasped, shaking her head and pulling away — utterly horrified and bewildered. "No...no...no."
"Yes, you will," Aunt Portia ordered firmly, grasping her face and holding it tightly. "And you will be happy about it. You will receive his flowers, take his calls, promenade with him, and go on chaperoned dates. You will be a good girl. We need you to be a good girl, Victoria. The Ambassador is offering...a great deal of money for his son to marry a Madison. Money that we need right now. We are nearly broke, Victoria...we need you to do this for our family."
"No," Victoria proclaimed sternly. "I-I-I...it's not s-supposed to be m-m-me. I...c-can't. I won't! You c-can't make me!"
Victoria was not sure what all had happened at the party last night, but there was no way she was going to allow them to put her up as an option for their little agreement with the Kennedys. Victoria was the niece of George Madison — not his daughter, and had no desire to marry anyone unless she loved them. This was not her burden or debt to bear, so she was not obligated to go along with this arrangement. It was upsetting that they were even considering it in the first place when they knew she was black. Interracial marriage was illegal in almost half of the United States, and was socially unacceptable in all of them.
It could possibly get her killed if the public found out.
It would make no sense for her to marry John.
"We can and we will, you ungrateful brat," Aunt Portia said through gritted teeth. This was the Aunt Portia Victoria was used to, who was vicious, cruel, and controlling. "After all that we have done for you — this is how you show your gratitude. We could have left you orphaned in Georgia, Victoria — and in hindsight we should have. If we did, this would have never happened. He was supposed to pick Amelia, or at least Daisy, but, no — he chose you...and he shall have you. Despite what your mother and grandmother was, you are still a Madison — a well-bred and educated American heiress. Girls like you are meant to marry powerful and wealthy men — whether it be willing or by force. It is your place in the world, and it's time that you learn that. You will marry John Kennedy, Victoria. There are far more worse fates than becoming the wife of a politician, so be grateful that you were even chosen at all...Now get dress and come down to breakfast."
Aunt Portia rose from the bed and turned to the door, leaving Victoria with furious, watery eyes aimed directly at her.
"And w-w-what if I tell h-him what I-I am?" She threatened. "I...can end all of t-this."
Aunt Portia stopped at the door, turning her head back to Victoria. "Victoria...you need that money just as much as we do. There is no money for you to continue at Barnard, or any for your inheritance. You have nothing, so I advise you to take that into consideration before you do something you'll regret."
Grabbing the nearest pillow, Victoria slammed her face into it and screamed as her aunt left the room. Being angry and helpless was nothing new to her, but for once, her body could not contain the despair that was bubbling up inside of her. The screaming gradually turned into crying and then sobbing, and soon Victoria found herself buried under the covers, wishing for everything to be a dream. She wanted to stay under there, and had every intention to, but she knew could not.
Aunt Portia was right.
She had nothing: no parents, no money, no property and, quite possibility, no college education if she did not go along with this arrangement. She had no other choice but to agree to the marriage. It was a hard truth to swallow, but she had to accept it. She was a woman after all, and women in her situation married to resolve their problems. It was ridiculous, but it was a fact of life. She just always thought she would never have to. Victoria did want to get married one day, but out of love, not necessity. She also wanted to marry someone she could relate to — a black man, and build a family and legacy with him. This entire situation was the opposite of what type of life she had planned for herself, and it hurt beyond comprehension. Her life was changing, and she had not the power to stop it. Pushing the covers aside, she rose from the bed with an emptiness, getting dress and making herself presentable for her intended.
The yellow dress that Victoria had planned to wear that day was supposed to be a cheery farewell outfit for their final day at Hyannis Port. However, with how everything had turned out, the sun dress was unintentionally giving off the wrong impression of joy and excitement for her current situation. Two things she was not feeling when she entered the dining room, but no one seemed to notice, accepting her warmly as she took a seat at the only available spot next to John.
"How wonderful for you to finally join us, Liberty Belle," Joe Sr. quipped from the head of the table. He looked at her expectingly, but she merely forced a smile and nodded — trying her best to not think about the double meaning in his words. She knew he purposely meant to use them.
"Good morning," John greeted, but she ignored him.
She did not even look at him, forcing her eyes directly on her plate before closing them for prayer over the food.
Victoria was cold and distant throughout breakfast. She held a very small smile on her lips, but her eyes were angry and bitter — lowered to the table so no one could see them. John attempted conversation with her, but she just shut him out. She actively avoided any interaction with him, making herself believe he was not there. It was childish, but she did not care. This was his fault — her future was gone because of him, and because of that she would be as difficult as possible to him. She would make him regret ever choosing her.
Maybe even change his mind all together — it was not too late. He could still choose Amelia, and leave her be.
It bothered her though how everyone did not notice how uncomfortable she was about everything. They went about breakfast as it was just another day, chatting and sharing food as if they all were not there for business instead of pleasure. She wondered if the whole entire family knew, and were instructed to make sure they were so appealing that no Madison girl could ever say "no" to joining their family. It was cynical to think that way, but Victoria could not help it at this point. At the start of the trip, the Kennedy sisters were strictly focused on getting to know her cousins — especially Amelia, but it seemed now their focus was directly on her — like it was communicated she was the destined future "sister-in-law".
"Liberty Belle, I don't think Manhattanville is that far from Barnard," Jean said, passing a bowl of eggs to Edward. "Maybe you can come out with Ethel and me sometimes."
"Yeah, kid!" Ethel agreed enthusiastically. "We can show you our hot spots on Fifth Avenue!"
"Patricia and I visit Jeanie a lot in New York, so we can tag along as well," Eunice added next to Victoria. "It'll be something fun for all of us to do."
"We can also have brunch in my apartment there," Patricia stated with a wink. "I love having guests over. You can come over anytime."
They all had forgotten about Amelia, who sat next to Aunt Portia with clenched fists and furious eyes. Her glare was aimed at Victoria — even though it was the Kennedys that had abandoned her. Their interest and curiosity in Amelia was so genuine as of yesterday that the switch up was jarring. Victoria had never seen anything like it before, and was overwhelmed by it all — the arrangement, the attention, her helplessness to it all. She just wanted to go home.
She needed distance — space. Her desire to stay there now long gone. She was waiting patiently for breakfast to end.
"Georgie, why don't you and your family stay another day?" Joe Sr. suggested, but it sounded more like an order.
Victoria froze up at the question.
"Please say 'no'. Please say 'no'."
"We would love that, Ambassador. Thank you."
Victoria clenched her dressed, and pushed back a scream, inhaling and exhaling a deep breath.
"Of course he would say yes," She thought bitterly, biting her lip. The last thing they needed was another day with the Kennedys, but her uncle had handed all power over to Joe Sr.
He did not even put up a fight for it — for her.
It made her mad.
Furious.
Pissed the fuck off.
Standing abruptly from the table, Victoria stormed out the room. She could feel everyone's eyes on her — and hear her aunt demand she sit back down — but she paid them no mind, walking out of the house and onto the lawn. When she saw the beach, she sprinted towards it, going into a full run once her feet hit the sand. She ran down the shoreline for as long as she could, pushing herself when she felt her lungs would explode. She refused to stop — she was not far enough. From the Kennedys, her family, her life, she just wanted to get as far away from them as possible.
When her feet could go no longer, she fell to her knees and wailed in her hands. Even if she could run completely away, she had no money or a place to go. It was just as Aunt Portia told her — she had nothing, and needed this more than them, which made it hurt even more.
The waves drowned out Victoria's crying, eventually soothing her to stop and just watch the ocean. Pulling her knees to her chest, she found herself envying the ocean's freedom, thinking briefly of taking one of the Kennedys' boats and making a run from it.
Too bad she had no idea how to sail one.
But if she did, she would definitely take John's just to prove a point.
"I hope...this is not...a precursor to our wedding day."
A breathless John stopped only a few feet away from Victoria, heaving heavily as he caught his breath. He looked as though he was going to throw up, bending over on his knees and holding his head down. It was concerning even though Victoria was trying her best not to care. The run was hard on her as well, but it did not affect her in the same way that it did John. He looked like he was going to pass out — which was interesting since he still took out the time to make light of their situation.
"But it would be quick a sight to see you dash off in a wedding dress."
Violence was never the answer to resolve a situation, but she was very close to choosing it. He might had height over her, but he was skinny, and the run had tired him out. She might had a chance.
"If I sit next to you, will you run off again?" He asked, inching closer. She did not answer him, trying her best to focus on the waves.
John sat right next to her and for a long time said nothing. He watched the water with her, stretching out his legs so his feet could feel the water push in. Victoria glanced down at them briefly, noticing one leg was longer than the other. She had never seen that condition before, and wondered did that cause him any difficulties. She frowned at her worry, but it could not be helped. She was raised by a nurse, so naturally she had the same compassion and concern for people's wellbeing — even if she did not like them.
Even if she wanted to hate them.
"W-w-why me?" She finally asked, looking back at the ocean. She did not like talking freely because of her stutter, but she felt she had the right to know why. "Y-you...had three perfectly s-suitable...options. You..d-d-did not...have to c...choose me."
"Well, aren't you a Madison?" John responded, placing his arms on his knees and looking at her. "I was told to choose a Madison girl. You're a Madison girl, Liberty Belle."
"B-b-but I w-w-wasn't apart of t-t-the arrangement!" She exclaimed, getting frustrated by him and her own stuttering words. He was talking so carelessly about it like it was not her life he was taking away from her. It made her angry. "It...was only Amelia, Cora, and Daisy — n-not me! I-I-I c-can't — I w-w-won't — you need t-to change your mind! I-I don't w-want this!"
John looked at her with focused eyes. He had not grimace at any of her stuttering words, oddly enough looking patient with her. He did not interrupt her or stop her. He was quiet and attentive, waiting for her to finish. Victoria did not know how to feel about that. There was only ever a few people considerate of her stuttering.
"...I don't want this either...I never had plans of marrying anyone. Marriage always seemed...too restricting and complicated to me, so I never wanted it. Men like me don't become husbands," He confessed, looking away and rubbing the back of his neck. He was fidgeting a bit — frowning and becoming awkward. He looked uncomfortable with what he just said.
Victoria raised an eyebrow at the behavior — now confused. "...I-If you don't...want to m-marry, then w-why are you?"
"You don't make it to the White House being a bachelor," John said, almost sounding bitter about the fact. "You need a wife, and at least one kid. People want a family man running the country."
"And...y-you're not a f-family man...?"
"I'm not," John admitted with a shrug. "But I'm going to have to be."
"...So...y-you're going t-to take away...my c-chance of happiness s-so y...you can be President?" Victoria asked. Her tone was calm, but internally she had resolved to truly hate John. He did not even want marriage, but decided to snatch her opportunity of it away. It was selfish, and she did not think she could ever forgive him for that.
He did not immediately answer her question, looking at her with sympathetic eyes, but not showing an ounce of remorse or guilt. He did not even look apologetic. Looking at him just made her even more angry.
"Y-y-you...had t-three other options t-that were w-willing...why me?" She was practically begging for an answer now. She was just trying to understand why he did not choose one of her cousins. They were ready, excited, and willing to be chosen. They wanted this — she did not.
"...You won't bore me," John said without shame.
His answer was simple, straightforward, and honest, but Victoria was unsure how to feel about such honesty. She knew she should have been content with the truth, but she would have rather been told a lie. A lie would have been 10x better than the truth she had received. Blinking, Victoria slowly moved her eyes from John to the ocean, looking far beyond the horizon with a yearning.
"...I...will n-never love you...John Kennedy," She declared softly.
"I'm not asking you to, Liberty Belle."
She started crying. He may not wanted love, but she did, but she would never have it because of him.
"Y-you're only m...marrying m-me to become...P-p-president."
"...I plan to be a good one. I don't take governing lightly, Liberty Belle. This country is important to me, and I want to do right by it — but I can't do that without a wife," John explained. He was sincere in his words. The most sincere she had seen out of him during the entire trip. There was a passion behind his desire for political office — one a lot of politicians did not have.
"You're...very h-honest," Victoria said. "I-I'll give you that."
"You are as well," John smiled. "Liberty Belle...we might not have a marriage built on love, but we can have one built on honesty. For the next year and a half, let's use that to at least be friends...and find some happiness in this."
John was offering an olive branch — a truce.
Apart of her wanted to decline it — set on hating him and making this entire situation horrible. But the other side — the rational side — knew that it would do no good. He needed her legacy, and she needed his money. It was better to accept it and make peace now, than be miserable about it forever. She would never forgive him though. He had stolen her life after all, giving her one she never asked for.
"...Al...alright."
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The bright bulb flash of Joe Sr.'s photographer consumed Victoria's vision, causing her to make a face that elicited a chuckle from John and a reprimand from the Kennedy patriarch. Sitting on the porch in a rocking chair next to John, she was told for the hundredth time that day to control her face — to smile "big and pretty" and look like she was "hanging on to every word" that John was saying. It was exhausting, but she did as she was told, remembering the very large check that her uncle had received not so long ago. Joe Sr. had bought his "American Heiress", and now she had to perform for his "America's Greatest Love Story" tale.
They would be the "American Dream" couple. John was the American Patriot — a handsome and charismatic WWII veteran, who descended from humble immigrants and exemplified their rise to wealth, influence, and power. Victoria was the American Heiress — a beautiful and well-bred socialite, who descended from the Father of the Constitution and lived out his legacy of intelligence, patriotism, and valor. They would represent what America was — the couple that every man and woman would strive to be like.
A product.
A brand.
A well fabricated lie.
They were going to be the most well known couple of the century if it was the last thing that Joe Sr. did.
Their "candid" photoshoot lasted for an hour and a half with Joe Sr. refusing to stop until he got the right shots. Victoria was on her last nerve of being photographed, but John was unbothered by it all — used to having a camera shoved in his face since birth. Joe Sr. was a strong believer in presenting a certain image to people, which is why he always had his family filmed and photographed. He knew the power and influence it could bring, and for years used it to his benefit of showing just how "wonderful" being a Kennedy could be. He wanted the world to know just how large, close, happy, and wealthy their family was, presenting an image of an all American family people wanted to know, be like, and trust.
It was a manipulation tactic, so when the time came for a Kennedy to throw their hat into politics, there would already be an established relationship between them and the nation. In the Kennedy household, the media and the press were your friend — and your way to political influence and power. It was starting to make sense to Victoria why they kept so many cameras around them.
"I think these will be enough, Ambassador."
"Are you sure? I want these pictures to be perfect now," Joe Sr. explained to the photographer.
"They will be, sir. They're both a handsome pair that the media will just eat up."
Victoria grimaced at this, sighing before directing her gaze to the football game on the lawn. William had been tackled again — this time being taken down by Robert, Edward, and Ethel. At this point, they were just being cruel to him.
"I'm in the next game," John called out from the porch railing. He then turned to Victoria. "You in, Liberty Belle?"
Victoria did not answer him, standing up from the rocking chair and walking inside. She still held animosity towards him despite their truce, and only interacted with him when she was required to. Technically, she would not have spend the rest of her life with him until the fall of 1950, so she was going to get as much time away from him until then. She found that the living room was empty, so she relocated there, taking a seat at the piano and focusing on the keys. She began playing Lionel Hampton's "Hamp's Boogie Woogie", filling the quiet living room with the sound of jazz and swing. She played it so effortlessly you would have thought she composed it herself, moving her head side to side to the music. It was a good escape for her.
If only she could stay in that little world of music forever.
Finishing up "Hamp's Boogie Woogie", Victoria went into the blues of "Blow Top Blues", feeling it appropriate for how she felt.
"I've got bad news baby, and you're the first to know," She began to sing with the same mournful voice as Dinah Washington. "Yes, I've got bad news baby, and you're the first to know...I discovered this mornin' that my top is about to blow..."
"Well I've been rockin' on my feet and talkin' all out of my head...Yes, I've been rockin' on my feet and talkin' all out of my head...and when I get through talkin', I can't remember a thing I said..."
"Used to be a sharpie, always dressed in the latest styles...Now I'm walkin' down Broadway wearin' nothin' but a smile...I see all kinds of little men, although they're never there...I tried to push the "A" train and poured whiskey in my hair...I'm a girl you can't excuse...I've got those blow top blues..."
Victoria started to cry from the lyrics, feeling she had lost her mind like they described. What she was being forced to do was insanity, and she had to accept it. She would rather be crazy than sane at the moment.
"Last night I was five feet tall, today I'm eight feet ten...And every time I fall down stairs I float right up again...When someone turned the lights on me, it like to drove me blind...I woke up in Bellevue, but I left my mind behind...I'm a gal who blew a fuse...I've got those blow top blues...," Victoria finished solemnly.
Continuing the song through the piano, she wiped her face of the tears and started to hum. She played the song for a while longer, stopping when she heard footsteps entering the room. Seeing the tousled Robert Kennedy was the last thing Victoria expected, but she rather it be him than his brother. He looked as though he came from the last football game — his clothes wrinkled and dirty and his face beaten up slightly. Even when it came to their own, the Kennedys did not lighten up when it came to football.
"You always like to be inside?" He asked, approaching her and taking a seat next to her on the bench. "Don't you want to join us out on the lawn?"
"Absolutely not," Victoria thought, shaking her head and focusing her eyes on the keys as she switched to a different song.
"...Well, I guess I'll stay inside with you then," Robert declared. "Don't want to leave you all alone."
"...I...I l-like being alone, Bobby," Victoria said, catching the third son off guard. He was the second Kennedy after John to hear her talk. She knew eventually she would have to start talking around them, so she might as well start now. "Y-you...don't have t-to stay."
"You have a stutter," He blurted out, making her roll her eyes at him. He realized his mistake and quickly apologized. "Sorry...I'm pretty sure you already knew that. Is that why you don't talk?"
Frowning, Victoria ignored Robert's question and continued playing the piano. He got his answer, and sat quietly, listening to her play. Even though he asked stupid questions, he made a good audience and was very attentive to her playing.
"Whenever mother would play, we all would come in here to listen to her," Robert said, looking over at a family portrait with them all standing in a row, locked together by their arms. "The last time all nine of us did that together was back in London. That seemed so long ago...but sometimes I wish I could go back to that moment, and appreciate it more."
Following Robert's gaze, Victoria wondered what happened to the other Kennedys. There were two girls and a boy missing. He noticed her looking, and decided to provide her with the information she was curious about.
Grabbing the portrait, he held it to her as he gestured to the missing family members. "That's Joe Jr. — he was our eldest brother. He died in a plane explosion during the war while on a mission. This is Rosemary, our eldest sister, she, uh, went away."
Victoria found this information odd, raising an eyebrow, but Robert did not offer no further information, looking unsure himself as to where his sister was. He only offered her an apologetic look before moving on to the other missing Kennedy.
"And this is Kick, our second eldest sister. She, um...recently died this past May in a plane crash."
Victoria looked up at Robert with sad, gentle eyes with this information — her eyes growing watery at their recent loss. With how the last couple of days have been, you would have never guessed they had just loss a sister. When Victoria loss her parents, she was a wreck for months, unable to even force herself to eat or sleep. The Kennedys looked as though they did not know the meaning of losing a loved one, and yet three of their siblings were gone.
"It's been hard, but your family being here has helped take it off our minds. I think this is the first we've seen Jack genuinely smile in a while...Kick was the closest to him. He took it harder than all of us," Robert said, setting the picture back down. He then turned around to face her. "We were sure he wasn't going to choose anyone this week because of that, but Dad was pressuring him. He had to choose...I know this is not ideal, but please don't be too hard on him. Just give him a chance to try to make you happy in all of this. He's not a bad guy."
She found that hard to believe, side eyeing the Kennedy before standing up and looking out of the window. "Did h-he send you i-in here?"
"No, he didn't," Robert answered honestly, joining her by the window. "It's not a secret you're not fond of him. I...just think it would be beneficial to both of you to try to make this work. Jack needs someone...and you need a family."
"I alr-r-ready have a family."
"You do...but they don't treat you very nice now, do they?"
Victoria did not respond, keeping her eyes out the window.
"We can be your family, Victoria, and you can build one with Jack," Robert said. Victoria was sure Robert did not mean to make her shiver at the thought of procreating with his brother, but it was expected since she did not want to think about that for a very long time. She also had no desire of finding a new family.
Her family would always be her mother and father — their love for her still deep in her heart. She did not need a new family — whether it be Madison or Kennedy.
Nor a place in their world.
Notes:
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for reading "National Anthem". I appreciate the love and support!
Victoria's situation is based off of Queen Charlotte's in "Bridgerton" and Gladys Russell in "The Gilded Age". It's definitely going to be a slow burning, arranged marriage "You are the bane of my existence and the object of all my desires" type of story.
Historical Facts
- Jean Kennedy Smith and Ethel Skakel Kennedy attended Manhattanville College from 1945-1949. This is where they met and became lifelong friends.
- Rosemary Kennedy had developmental delays and an intellectual disability. Joe Sr. tried to have her "fixed" by arranging her to have a lobotomy in 1941, but the procedure left her permanently incapacitated and rendered her unable to speak intelligibly or walk. To cover up what happened, he institutionalized Rosemary and never told her siblings what happened to her. They did not discover her whereabouts until 1961 when their father had a stroke that left him unable to walk or talk.
- JFK's left leg was shorter than his right. It was a congenital condition that contributed to his chronic back pain and required him to wear heel lifts in his left shoes. His doctors, including his physician Janet Travell, noted that the leg length difference, estimated at about a quarter inch at the hip, caused a tilting of his shoulders and put additional stress on his back.
- Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. was the eldest Kennedy child. Initially, he was supposed to be the one to become President, but he died in WWII. Rosemary Kennedy was the eldest Kennedy daughter. Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy Cavendish was the second eldest daughter. She was JFK's favorite sister. They were thick as thieves.
Until next time!
Chapter 5: Chapter 4: The Rules of Engagement
Summary:
Congressman John Fitzgerald Kennedy molds over his choice of bride. Liberty Belle was not the ideal candidate, but she was far too interesting to let go.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
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"If it ain't fast, it's slow,
If it ain't yes, it's no,
If it ain't high, it's low,
Gotta be this or that,"
Gotta Be This or That -
Benny Goodman (1945)
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September 1948
Exhaling a large cloud of smoke from his mouth, Jack rolled his cigar in his fingers lazily, examining it closely with the dim light of the lamp on his desk, and taking another draw of its dried tobacco leaves. He took it in slowly, filling his mouth with smoke and holding it in — molding over its cedar and honey flavor before breathing it out smoothly through his nose. Appreciating the unique blend of flavor, he flicked off the ashes and opened one of the many files on his desk. Jack thoroughly went through the documents with his reading glasses perched on his nose, using a pen to mark it as he pleased for the information he needed. He had been out sick — for two weeks to be exact — and needed to catch up on reports before his Education and Labor Committee meeting in the morning.
Typically, when Jack was out sick, he could read through his documents from bed, having become an avid reader from the constant hospital stays he had since childhood. However, with this recent episode of sickness, the combination of high fever, colon, and stomach issues had him looking at the ceiling most of the time with the exception of going to the bathroom and having a pretty visitor or two — or three. He was sure this recent stay would be his last, but he recovered — like always — and had a pile of files waiting for him upon his return to his office in D.C.
The House staffers of Congressional Room 322 in the Old House Office Building were used to Jack's long extended absences — fully aware of their boss' poor health and expected by his father to keep it hidden. They knew how to keep the office running while he was away — more specifically his secretary, Mary Davis, who was a seasoned House secretary. Though Ted Reardon was the head staffer, she was the one who made Jack's office efficient, taking care of things before they even made it to his desk. She was also the one who provided the explanations to his colleagues and constituents about his whereabouts — making sure the secret of his health was kept.
His father, Former Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., was the one who hired her — as well as a great many others in his office. Jack also had a say in who could work for him, hiring Ted and — his court jester — Billy Sutton, but it was mainly the Kennedy patriarch who made the final decision. He made the final decision about a lot of things in Jack's life: his education, his associates, his career, and, most recently, his love life — all things he accepted without much complaint. He owed a lot to his father, and in turn, would often do as he instructed.
They all did — the Kennedy children. Their father had given them a life most dreamed of having, and in return, they gave him whatever he asked of them.
Even if they did not want it.
Jack never wanted to be President of the United States. He had an interest in politics and foreign affairs, but wanted to pursue them in a more scholarly capacity. He wanted to be a writer, working as a law professor at Harvard. His older brother, Joe Jr., was the one destined to become President; however, after his death in 1944, the mantle was passed on to Jack by his father, and ever since then his entire life has been focused towards that goal. Something Jack did resent — naturally being someone who abhorred rules and doing things orderly, but decided to accept. With Joe Jr. gone, he felt he had a responsibility to achieve what his brother could not.
Which is why despite being in mourning for his dear sister, Kick, Jack did what was necessary, and decided on a future wife.
Puffing on his cigar, Jack finished reading his eighth file that evening, and leaned back in his chair — setting up his feet on his desk as he took a moment to rest his eyes. He glanced over to his office phone, debating whether or not to make a certain call during his break. Checking his watch, he noted how it was already 9 o'clock, and wondered if she would still be awake.
Or even accept the late call.
Liberty Belle had a habit of declining Jack's calls, especially since her return to Barnard College. When she was at home, she begrudgingly accepted a few of them, understanding it was a part of their agreed "courtship" to keep communications with each other. However, ever since the beginning of fall semester, she has declined almost all of them — conveniently being busy whenever he phoned. Jack knew she was purposely avoiding him, and could not help but smile at her antics. Her willful defiance to their arrangement reminded him a lot of his sister — of himself, and reassured him that his decision was not a mistake.
Victoria Liberty Belle Madison was the right choice for him.
Picking up the phone, Jack tested himself to see if he had remembered the number to her dormitory correctly, being pleasantly surprised when the dial went through. It rung only twice before someone picked up — no doubt someone passing by the phone room when it began to ring. Her voice was high pitched and overly cheerful, but she was friendly and helpful, moving instantly to retrieve Liberty Belle. He was expecting to hear the usual excuse of "Hello, Mr. Kennedy, Victoria is not available at the moment" after a few minutes, but when he heard the very careful, sweet Southern drawl of "Hello", a grin broke out on the congressman's face.
Unlike her cousins' sharp, Upper East Side accents, Liberty Belle's deep Southern twang was endearing to the ear — something delightfully different from what Jack heard on the regular basis. Her uncle had informed him that she was originally from Georgia and had spent the first decade of her life there.
"Hi, Liberty Belle," Jack greeted.
"...Hello...Congressman Kennedy," She answered quietly in a rather annoyed tone. It just made Jack grin widen.
"You do know you can call me 'Jack', Doe," He stated, taking another draw from his cigar.
"Doe" was another term of endearment that Jack had given her along with her middle name. He liked the ring of "Liberty Belle", believing it suited her aesthetics better than the regal "Victoria". "Doe" was something that came off the top of his head one day while on the phone with her. She reminded him of one — a female deer — quiet and elusive with a curious mind.
"...To w-what do I o-owe the...pleasure of this c-c-call, Congressman?" Liberty Belle asked, ignoring his statement.
She always had a "straight to the point" attitude with him on the phone. She desired their conversations to be as short as possible, but Jack — like a true Kennedy — liked to talk, and had a curiosity keen to that of a nosey neighbor.
"How are you?"
"...W-well..."
"How's school going?"
"...Fine..."
"Are your classes difficult?"
"...No..."
"Have you joined any student clubs?"
"...No..."
Liberty Belle kept her answers blunt and short — never elaborating or providing additional information. She only gave what was necessary. No doubt a survival tactic because of her stutter, but also because she did not trust him, or people in general it seemed. She was polite and cordial, but kept herself at a distance with people, building a wall up between her and them — refusing to let anyone in and protecting whatever was inside. Jack noticed that during her family's stay at their compound. She was always off somewhere alone, watching everyone with a "Mona Lisa" smile on her face.
"You should," Jack said. "You spend too much time alone — you need friends, Doe."
"I-I like...being alone," She responded.
Something that they differed in. Jack liked being around people — he thrived with a crowd and found enjoyment in conversation and banter. He could not stand to be alone — not as a child, and especially not as an adult. Liberty Belle was not the same. She wanted isolation and silence — to be left alone with her books and music. However, to her annoyance, those were two things that Jack also enjoyed and bothered her about.
"You do," Jack agreed, nodding his head. "Have you finished 'The War of the Worlds' yet?"
"...I d-did," She answered.
"Would you recommend it?"
"...Yes..."
"Why?" Jack questioned with a sly grin. It did not take him long to figure out the best way to get her to talk to him was through books. They both loved reading, so exploring literature was the best route for them to "bond" in some sort of way.
She hesitated, preferring not to go into a long explanation, but also knowing Jack would not leave her alone until she did. "...The novel c-c-critiques...the arrogance of h-humanity...and...the British Empire...s-s-showing them how it f...feels to be i-invaded...by an...a-alien force who...views them as i-inferior. Many t-think c-colonizing...and dominating a-another...group of people i-is good...until it h...happens to them...and...they realize h-h-how cruel...it really is. The...people i...in the book...are...fortunate that their...n-natural habitat e-e-eventually s-saves them...but...the s-same cannot be s-said...for so many n-nations that have...fallen to European control."
"Hm...so it explores the themes of imperialism and colonialism — more specifically that of European powers. The author wanted people to question the morality of it all," Jack remarked. "Whether a man had the right to have power and control of another man just because he was different. That's a very enlightening read. Most women I know prefer the classics like Pride and Prejudice, and Jane Eyre."
"...Those books c-can be...j-just as thought provoking as...this one. T-they are not j-j-just about...romance."
"Oh. How so, Doe?"
"...You'll j-just have to...read t-them to...find out."
Jack chuckled at her statement, utterly amused by her resistance to give him things easily. She challenged him a lot, especially when it came to literature — pushing him to read books that he as a man would never be caught with. It was because of her that he had Mary purchase a copy of "Gone With the Wind" for him to read. It was one of Liberty Belle's favorite novels, and he could understand why after spending a weekend reading it. The core themes of survival, determination, and endurance was heart wrenchingly relatable and admiring, making you sympathetic to a lot of the decisions that Scarlett made for herself and her family. She had become one of his favorite characters, reminding him of a dazzling green eyed beauty in his own life who he felt related to Scarlett a lot more than she realized.
"I guess I will," Jack agreed. "...I'm coming to New York next weekend."
"Why?" There was not a hint of hesitation or stutter in her voice.
"For a dinner party," He answered. "I need a date...would you be available?"
"...I-I have school..."
"Not on Saturday nights."
"I...would n-need...a chaperone..."
"Eunice will be there. She'll be your chaperone."
"I don't...want to go," She stated sternly. "...I-it's g-getting late...I...I should g-go now. Goodnight...Congressman."
"Goodni—," She hung up the phone before Jack could fully respond, making him sigh as he placed the phone back on the receiver but not deterring his grin. He still got her to talk to him a little more tonight, so that was a small victory to be noted.
Jack knew a courtship with Liberty Belle would be difficult, which was the reason why he chose her.
It had always been Joe Sr.'s goal to have the son set to be President to marry American royalty. As wealthy and influential that the Kennedys were, they were still ostracized by WASP — Wealthy Anglo-Saxon Protestants — for being Irish Catholics. A label that Joe Sr. and Rose detested due to the limits it placed on their family. In America, WASP had all the power — and Joe Sr. wanted a share of that power, so what better way to achieve it than to marry into it. The marriage to an American Heiress, a descendant from a former President, would not only give the Kennedys the stamp of approval they desired, but also the support for presidency — providing the legacy and prestige needed to win over the hearts of the American people. Many thought — including Jack — it was a far fetched idea as a lot of presidential descendants either kept to themselves or died out, but Joe Sr. was determined to find his heiress, and he did through George Madison.
George Madison was a male descendant of President James Madison's only son, Philip James Madison. He was a well known lawyer who resided in New York City with his wife and four children, and lived a very comfortable life in New York's WASP nest — The Upper East Side. He was a very private man, and would have stayed private if he had never ran into Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. As soon as the Irishman got word of George's three, very available daughters, he got to work on ensuring at least one of them married Jack — going as far as manipulating their family's stocks to ruin them financially in order to save them with a marriage.
"I can help you, Georgie. One of your daughters just has to marry my son, and I'll provide you with all the money you need."
It was cold and vile, but got Joe Sr. exactly what he wanted — the Madisons at his home on a 4th of July holiday trip for Jack to pick a bride.
Amelia was the ideal choice. She was closest to him in age — being the same age as Kick — with stunning beauty, a witty demeanor, and a sharp mind. She was "Debutante of the Year" in 1938, and ran in the same social circles as Jack. On paper, she was the perfect candidate for Joe Sr.'s grand plans, having the legacy, upbringing, and charm to be Jack's First Lady — which was the problem. She was "too perfect" for the role, and utterly "too perfect" for Jack. She would do or say whatever he or his family would instruct her to, integrating seamlessly into their clan and becoming a standard Kennedy wife — like his mother.
Jack did not want no woman similar to his mother. If anything, he desired someone that was the complete opposite of the Kennedy matriarch — someone who had passion, strength, and independence. He did not sense those attributes in Amelia, but he did in her odd, mute cousin who was interestingly not apart of his options.
"Georgie did not offer that one — probably because the broad is mute, which will be no good for you because we need a dame that can talk to the press. It's a shame though — she's the prettiest one out of all of them."
Liberty Belle was absolutely the most beautiful woman Jack had ever laid his eyes on. Physically, she contrasted so much with her cousins, he wondered where the kinship was. Unlike the rest of the Madisons, Liberty Belle had a radiant, olive toned complexion, giving the impression she was raised in the Mediterranean than the concrete juggles of New York City. Her face was round and pleasant with dusted freckles, high cheekbones, and a dimpled cheek. Her hair was dark and thick, interestingly turning curly when hit with water, and contrasting beautifully with her pale, green eyes and pink, plump lips. She was captivating and exotic, and, if not an introvert, would have been a very dangerous woman to all men.
Even Bobby, who had resistance to women far greater than Jack, was following her around like a lost puppy, regarding his girlfriend, Ethel Skakel, as a second thought the entire time.
"Careful now, Alter Boy — remember you already got a dame."
"It's not like that, Jack! I just like talking to her."
"She doesn't talk, Bobby."
An observation that immediately shut the younger Kennedy's mouth, and made him walk off heated. Though, Jack could not blame his younger brother for having a moment of weakness with the Madison girl. It was one thing to be beautiful, but to be beautiful and an enigma to everyone around you, was the ultimate recipe to catch a Kennedy man. Jack knew he was supposed to pick Amelia, and had every intention to the night of the party, but when he found Liberty Belle by the ocean with her eyes focused far out at sea, yearning for something out there, he paused. And then he danced with her, and played in the water with her as they ran around the beach like carefree children. Her laughter was infectious, and the joy she emitted was warm and comforting. Though quiet, he could sense how big and colorful her personality was — she was passionate, she had strength, and she was independent.
So he chose her.
No one supported the decision.
"YOU CHOSE THE MUTE!?"
"Please, Congressman, reconsider my daughters. My niece is not...suited to be a politician's wife."
"Yes, please! My dear Amelia is the one for you."
"Jack, dear, have you truly thought this through?"
There was no changing Jack's mind — the only Madison he would marry was Liberty Belle, and everyone had no choice but to accept it — even her. It was selfish. Jack understood that, but in truth, he was a selfish person. He was the son of a wealthy man, so he was used to being spoiled and getting what he wanted, and even though his father opposed it, he eventually gave Jack what he wanted. She was still a Madison after all, sharing the same blood as her cousins, and George and Portia stopped their protesting once the check was signed. They had what they wanted and so did his father — and Jack would not be trapped in a mundane marriage.
Marriage was something Jack never desired. There was nothing appealing about being tied down to only one person. His parents were proof of that. The romance that Joe Sr. and Rose Kennedy had in their early years of marriage was long gone — withered away, and only kept together by their desire to build a powerful political dynasty. Because of them, Jack did not believe in romantic love — he had seen his father cheat of his mother countless of times and his mother be indifferent to it all by taking long trips away from them — which is why he had no issue with Liberty Belle never loving him. He in truth could never love her, or ever exclusively be hers. Again — very selfish of him to force her into such an arrangement, but Jack thought he could offer her something better than love. He noticed the longing for freedom and adventure in her eyes, and he could give her that.
They would not be another Joe Sr. and Rose — despite Jack very much so being his father's son.
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Jack bit back a chuckle at Liberty Belle's wide, stunned eyes, enjoying her surprised expression at the sight of him being on her campus. He was starting to draw attention to himself, standing at the entrance of Hewitt Hall Dormitory with a bouquet of roses in hand as women walked past blushing and giggling at his presence. He smiled at their attention, giving out shameless winks until his "girlfriend" approached with a sour expression. She was frowning disapprovingly at his unannounced visit, disregarding the roses he extended to her and pulling him into a secluded area away from the dormitory pathway. She looked at him with heated eyes once they were away from everyone, expecting an answer to his unauthorized presence.
"...You don't seem very happy to see me," Jack quipped, offering her the flowers again. "I got these for you."
According to his father, women loved to receive flowers — it made them feel special and appreciated, but Liberty Belle was not relenting her hostility towards him.
"Can't I come see you, Doe?"
"No. N-now leave!" She demanded.
"Will you at least let me take you out to lunch?" Jack asked.
"...I-I have...a class..."
"It's Friday, Doe — your last class just ended for the day."
Her eyes widen again before looking away flustered that she got caught up in a lie. She had forgotten that her uncle provided Jack with her class schedule for the semester. He knew she was coming back from her last class of the day, which is why he decided to come exactly at this time. Again — he offered her the flowers — his grin never leaving his face as she glared at him.
"Since you won't come with me to the dinner party, you owe me at least a lunch date," Jack stated. "Come on, Doe. Let's go spend the old man's money."
She stared at him — hard, before finally sighing and taking the flowers. "...Fine..."
Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Jack nodded. "Alright — shall we, Ms. Madison?"
Liberty Belle nodded, silently following Jack as he led her off campus. There was a nice little restaurant not too far from Barnard College that he wanted to take her to. He had already made reservations for them there, knowing she would try to refuse him, but taking a chance anyway. Apparently, she liked the idea of spending his father's money — something he would note for later use in the future. She did not seem like the materialistic type, but she disliked his father so much, spending his money might have been a form of revenge for her. This tickled Jack as he watched his future bride look over the menu, making a face as she thought over what she wanted.
Her facial expressions were probably one of his favorite features about her. She was comically very expressive, especially with her eyes. She could convey exactly what she was feeling without saying a word — another skill she probably built because of her stutter. Jack found it refreshing. Most high society girls were trained to hide their emotions, but Liberty Belle was not afraid to show when she was displeased, angry, or upset. She had stunned him the morning she abruptly stood from the breakfast table and ran out the house. Jack had not expected such a reaction to the news of him choosing her, but he was not displeased by it — he could understand her frustration, and liked that she expressed it.
"Found something you like?"
She looked up at Jack — her eyes not as heated now — and leaned forward, pointing at the items she wanted on his menu. With her being so close, he was able to smell her perfume, taking in her honey scent as he leaned forward to sniff more of it in. She noticed and froze, making prolonged eye contact with him before moving away slowly. He liked the scent of honey on her — it suited her.
"Is that all?" Jack asked, receiving a nod. He then called over their waiter, and placed their order — ordering roasted chicken for himself and meatloaf for Liberty Belle. When the waiter took their menus, the duo was left with nothing but themselves for company — the first time ever since their conversation on the beach.
Making this lunch their first date.
"You smell nice," Jack complimented, leaning forward on the table.
"...Thank you...," She said, looking away — her Southern accent strong and sweet. When he was reading "Gone With the Wind", he intentionally imagined Scarlett with her voice.
"The scent suits you well," He continued. "Do you like honey?"
"...No...I-I just wear it...for f-fun," She answered sarcastically, looking at Jack annoyed.
"Well, I think you should wear it more often then, Doe. I like honey, and I think you're sweet as honey too,"Jack retorted with a grin.
The laughter that bursted out of Liberty Belle from Jack's corny compliment was accidental, making her cover up her smile with her hand as she looked away. She looked so angry at herself for laughing at what was said, but she could not stop her reaction, and Jack was not helping with his teasing.
"What? Did I say something funny?" Jack questioned, acting oblivious to what he said. "I just said you were sweet as honey, Doe. I mean — you treat your beau so well. No dame has ever wanted absolutely nothing to do with me before. That's really sweet."
"S-s-stop!...," Liberty Belle exclaimed, trying to control her laughter.
Jack was proud of the reaction she was getting out of her. His humor was the most powerful part of his charm, having developed it during his hospital stays as a young child to cope with his loneliness and despair. Joe Sr. and Rose Kennedy never visited Jack when he was at the hospital — he was always left alone with stranger doctors and nurses who gave him no hope of ever getting better. One time he peeped at their paperwork and noticed they had measured him for a casket. Seeing something like that would drive someone to go insane, but Jack decided to keep his wits by finding peace in reading and humor.
"But it's true — you are sweet. The sweetest thing on the planet," Jack chucked, laughing at his own sarcastic words.
"...You r-really are...a politician...," She stated, having given up on covering her smile. "...Just lyin'...f-for no reason..."
"I'm not lying."
"...I t-thought y-you said....we...would be h-honest...with each other..."
"I am being honest," Jack stated. "You are sweet as honey, Doe."
Rolling her eyes, Liberty Belle gave Jack a look, so he elaborated further.
"You were real sweet to me on your birthday, and the day after, and the night you danced with me by the ocean—."
"Basically b-b-before you...ruined...my life..."
"...Yes," Jack acknowledged as their food was placed on their table.
Liberty Belle nodded, moving her lips back to a hard line before saying her prayers and eating her food. Jack did the same, quietly cutting into his chicken as he thought of a way to bring the lightheartedness back to their conversation. He thought he was getting somewhere for a moment, but now he was back at square one.
"But...you're still sweet even after that," Jack began, gaining Liberty Belle's attention again. "Despite everything, you still accept some of my calls, you still came out to lunch with me. You laughed and smiled at me even if it was very short lived — you're still sweet as honey."
"...I want to...hate you...I've t-tried to h-hate you...but my p-parents r-raised me not to...hate anyone," She confessed. "It's...not g-good for the heart...to h-hate, but I...don't want t-to...like you either b-because of...what you did. I-I don't like...being m-mean...to you, or anyone...but y-you put me...in a d-difficult set of...emotions, Congressman."
"...They don't have to be difficult, Doe," Jack said simply.
"...W-what should...t-they be then? I-I'm being forced...to m-m-marry a man...I don't know."
"And I'm being forced to marry a woman I don't know," Jack argued back, shrugging. "But I don't have any difficult emotions against her."
"...How come?" Liberty Belle asked. "Y-you didn't even...w-want t...to be married."
Jack chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't...still on the fence about it honestly, but..."
"...But?..."
"...Growing up, my dad made us do a lot of things that we did not want to do...things that made us uncomfortable — that challenged us — he said doing these things would make us winners. We hated it at first...but then we realized he was right. Sometimes doing the things we don't want to do ends up being the best for us — now we're all winners."
Looking down at her plate again, Liberty Belle fell silent at Jack's words. As she pondered them, she played with her food, frowning and scrunching up her face in a cartoonish manner. It made Jack wonder what was going through her mind.
For the rest of the date, Jack and Liberty Belle both ate in silence — people-watching together from their spot by the window. It seemed they both like to observe others, looking like a nosey, old married couple by the way their eyes moved with each other to follow people. When their eyes caught each other, Jack cracked a lazy smile at his future wife, but she merely rolled her eyes, looking back out the window.
"Be my date to the dinner party, Doe." Jack said, eyes still on her. He was expecting her to agree, feeling she was finally warming up to him — as all women eventually did for him.
"...No," Liberty Belle answered. "I h-have a..quiz Monday. I-I need to be...ready for it."
"You can't take one night off to spend time with me?"
She thought about it for a moment, her bright eyes looking from the ceiling to the floor before shaking her head. "...No..."
Yes — Jack made the right choice.
The walk back Barnard College was silent, but this time instead of walking several steps behind him, Liberty Belle was only a few steps away — still holding the roses he got her. She would ever do often look down at them and smell them, sighing at their scent. Not quite a smile, but at least she was reacting to them. When they made it back to Hewitt Hall, they both stood still in front of the entrance for a while, looking more like acquaintances than a couple. Jack offered his hand to her, knowing he had to bid her a proper farewell, but Liberty Belle only stared at it.
"Something wrong?" He asked.
"...Y-you're giving me...a h...handshake?"
Jack blinked with a confused smile. "Is there something wrong with a handshake?"
"...No...i-it's just...in the m-movies I've seen...oh n-nevermind," She shook her head, preparing to enter the dormitory.
"What?" Jack asked curiously, stepping in front of her.
The pale green eyed girl sighed. "...It's nothing...e-enjoy the rest...of your day, Congressman...Kennedy. H-have fun...at your...party."
Moving quickly around Jack, Liberty Belle darted towards the entrance door without offering a second glance to Jack. He watched her run in and shook his head as he chuckled at her antics.
"See ya, Doe," He said, stuffing his hands in his pockets and walking away.
The date did not go as planned, but at least he got her to come out with him. He could never predict her temperature towards him — will not answer his calls, will answer his calls, will not go to a dinner party with him, will be persuaded to go to lunch with him — it was a never ending game of this or that with her. And Jack was happy to play it. He thrived on challenges, and solving the puzzle that was Liberty Belle was going to be his favorite one.
Notes:
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for reading "National Anthem". I appreciate the love and support!
If you had not noticed, this chapter was told in Third Point of View from John's perspective. It will be like this for the next two chapters. The perspectives will alternate every three chapters, so one set will be from Victoria's perspective and the other set will be from John's — something else that I was inspired by from "Queen Charlotte".
Also updates will now be reoccurring once a month for more writing time, so the next update will be in November — hopefully with two or more chapters!
Historical Facts
- JFK spent a great deal of his childhood in the hospital with doctors really not knowing what was wrong with him until 1947 when he was officially diagnosed with Addison's Disease. He was alone a lot during these stays, which led him to become an avid reader, and have a keen sense of humor to occupy his time.
- From what is written in biographies, JFK did not have a close relationship with his mother. It was noted she was very cold and distant, and did not give him affection, which could have been a contributing factor in how he treated women he was romantically involved with. Since he could not be emotional or close with his mother, he was closer to his father, which in turn caused him to be closer to men than women in his relationships. This will be explored more in later chapters.
- JFK never wanted to hold political office. He was basically voluntold by his father after his brother passed away. He had a deep interest in politics, but wanted to pursue it as a writer.
- JFK was known for being a thinker — which he was very good at it. But he did not like being alone too much because — 1.) Childhood trauma of being left alone in a hospital and 2.) He would think too much about things, especially about his deceased siblings and his health, and just would prefer to not think about that stuff. Part of his recklessness came so he could avoid feeling things — he just wanted to live in the moment.
Until next time!
Chapter 6: Chapter 5: A Brief Shining Moment
Summary:
Sleep evades Jack Kennedy and he surprisingly finds comfort in Liberty Belle, who for only a moment, did not treat him as her foe.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
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"Like all the wreck I was adrift,
My heart was all at sea,
Just when the world needed a lift,
You came and smiled at me,"
In Times Like These -
Harry James ft. Kitty Kallen (1944)
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November 1948
Jack did not sleep good at night. He never quite did with his chronic back problems, but these recent sleepless nights were not because of those. They were because of Kick. When Jack fell asleep, he dreamed of his beloved little sister — of her laughter, of her radiance, of her joy — she was there with him, alive and well, talking his ear off as she always did. They were so real and vivid, yet, so difficult and painful that he could never stay in them long. He always woke up in a cold sweat with tears streaming down his face. He was thankful that the broad next to him had not woken up from his cries — her soft snores grounding him back to reality. Kick had been on his mind earlier that day, so as always he found himself a woman to keep his thoughts busy. She was the hotel receptionist that checked him in that day — a busty blonde with bold, red lips and nice legs. She was not the brightest thing but she knew how to have fun and that was all Jack wanted — to have fun and to drown in it as much as he could, because he knew once the fun was over, he would have to deal with the fact again that his favorite sister was dead.
Lifting himself up from the bed, Jack reached for his back brace with shaking hands, struggling to put it on while battling back pain and a headache. He tried his best to focus — his mind bouncing back and forth from Kick to the pain as he put on his pajamas and left the room. He wanted some air, throwing on a trench coat and a hat before exiting the Waldorf Astoria lobby to brace the cold winter air of New York City. The cold helped a little to numb the pain — both physically and mentally — giving Jack some relief as he wondered the night streets of Midtown Manhattan.
Walking them reminded him of nights with Kick, hopping from party to party and having a time. She was his partner — in crime, in rebellion, in independence, in fun — they were kindred spirits and the closest of all Kennedy siblings. No one understood them better than each other.
"No one will ever get me like you, Jack."
Her death should have never happened. She was so young, so healthy, so full of life — people like her did not die young, they had a long, fulfilling life. Yet, she was dead, and he — a sick man with constant back pain and a leg shorter than the other — was still alive. Jack could not make sense of it — he was supposed to die before her.
Bumming a cigarette from a stranger, Jack kept walking with a racing mind, not going anywhere in particular, but somehow ending up at the gated townhouse of the Madisons. He stood there for a long time, sizing up the grand white stone structure with his cloudy sea green eyes and absentmindedly looking for the window that belong to his future bride. He had came to New York City during her Thanksgiving break for their monthly scheduled date but instead of waiting to surprise in the morning, he wanted to see her now, and made an educational guess as to what window to throw rocks at.
Thankfully, it was the right one.
Jack had never seen Liberty Belle without makeup before — it was a serene sight under the moonlight. She opened her window with her hair a mess, wearing nothing but a pale pink nightgown that was loose on her body. Her face was dewy and radiant with a natural flush from the cold of the night. Her freckles were much more prominent and her lips were a soft pink. If this was what he had to look forward to in the coming years, he did not mind waking up to such a view. Even with the frown that immediately came to her face upon seeing him on the sidewalk.
When she shut her window, he thought she was sending him off until the jingling of the front door brought his attention to her walking out into the cold to him — a brown coat hanging loosely off her shoulder.
"W-w-wh...what...are you...d-doing here, C...congressman?" She questioned confused, pulling the coat up her shoulder and tying it around her waist. With her being up close, Jack could smell the sweet hints of her honey perfume on her skin. "I-I-it's 2-2 o'clock...in t-the morning..."
"Hi, Doe," Was all Jack could muster up before putting out the cigarette. "Walk with me."
She blinked at him with wide, stunned eyes going from confused to speechless with her mouth agape. "...Wha...what!?"
"Walk with me," Jack repeated with his usual easy smile.
"...No!...I-I c-c-can't...it's not p-proper!...I shouldn't...e...even be...o-out here with y-you now! What if s-s-someone sees—!"
"No one is out here, Doe. It's just us. Come on — I'll have you back before everyone wakes up."
"It's...n-not proper!" Liberty Belle emphasized. "B-besides...w-w-what if you d-do something...to me."
It was Jack's turn to blink, remembering how great their divide was from each other. Liberty Belle still kept him at a distance, refusing to trust him and see him as an ally or friend. It stung him a little that she thought he would do something to her.
"I won't hurt you, Doe," Jack said quietly, biting his lip. "I...I just want somebody to walk with me."
"Why me?" She demanded without a stutter. "And why...s-so late?"
Rubbing his neck in an uncomfortable manner with a smile, Jack was not entirely sure himself. When he left the hotel, he knew he wanted to walk for a while to occupy his mind, but he had not planned to show up at her residence. His feet led him there without cause, and since he was there, why not ask his intended to keep him company — at least that was his logic. However, what had seemed logical to him was utterly illogical to Liberty Belle whose furrowed brows, focused eyes, and hard lined lips gave no hint in budging to his request. She was looking at him as if he was crazy, and truthfully, he probably did look crazy. He had on his house slippers with his pajamas, walking the streets of New York City in the middle of the night with a trench coat and hat on. He looked like he belonged in Bellevue — she looked as though she was considering to call to send him to Bellevue.
Something told him she would not hesitate to do so.
"...Are you...not w-well?" Liberty Belle's question was not harsh like the last one. It was softer with hints of concern that was accompanied by a soft hand to Jack's forehead that made him go completely still. The hand then pressed to each side of his cheeks before gently holding his face. She leaned in close, causing him to grow tense as she looked him over — her examination similar to that of a nurse but far more intimate. Jack was a statue the whole time, freezing up and going numb from her touches. When she noticed, she quickly withdrew her hand, muttering and stuttering an apology before looking away.
Like most women that Jack dealt with, Liberty Belle found out very quickly how sensitive he was to touch. He avoided physically intimacy like the plague, and was very selective on who touched him. Family, of course, and his close friends, but for women whose bodies he has known, sex was the only closeness he would allow. There was never any hand holding, cuddling, gentle touches, or embracing — just sex. Sex was easy and fun, and that was all Jack wanted in life. Intimacy; however, needed emotion, connection, and unconditionality — things he knew he could never give a woman, so why bother in connecting in such a way.
There was no point.
His mother taught him that — never once ruffling his hair or holding him close as a mother should.
"I, uh, I'll come back in the morning," Jack finally said, stepping away and turning around.
"Wait!"
Pulling quietly at the iron gate, Liberty Belle slipped past the small opening with ease, closing it behind her without a sound. It was a practiced maneuver, looking to have been done several times. It made Jack lift the corner of his mouth, pleased to see the rebel in her.
"...There's a park...n-not t-too far from here...we can...go there..." She said, taking the lead. "Come now."
"What made you change your mind, Doe?" Jack asked, catching up to her.
She paused before answering, glancing up at him with her pale green eyes. They glowed nicely in the moonlight, leaving Jack breathless at their shine. He could look at them for hours — he could look at her forever. Liberty Belle was a rare beauty, and she was his. He should have felt guilty for having a claim on a woman that did not even love him — that he did not even love, but he was a Kennedy man, and Kennedy men always got the best.
"....Y...you d-didn't...answer...my question."
"Which one?"
"...Why...you wanted...to walk...w-with me a..at this t-this time...of night," She said, directing her gaze to the moon.
Her eyes stayed there as they approached a dim lit park densely populated with trees and shrubbery decorated with well landscaped flowers that bloomed beautifully in the night. The lamp lights present guided their walk down a pathway to a playground where Liberty Belle led them to a swing set. She sat down on a swing first, staring at him expectantly to take the other one beside her. Jack arched his brow at the request, but was met with stubborn eyes that commanded him to sit. Her ability to say so much without muttering a word always amused him, but also impressed him. Though she avoided attention, he knew she had the ability to command a room.
Jack sat in the swing next to her, gripping the rope that held it tightly to keep him upright. It felt odd as a grown man to be in it, but seeing how Liberty Belle swung easily in hers with no shame, he followed her lead, swinging together in the quiet night with their eyes on the moon. It felt nice, reminding him of his youth and helping him to relax. He forgot how soothing swinging could be — it was the closest thing to flying as a kid with your legs in the air and your hair in the wind. It was one of the best feelings in the world.
"...Feel better?..." Liberty asked, slowing her swings to a stop.
Jack turned to her, smiling wide before stopping as well. "I do."
"...Good...," She said with a sigh, looking back at the moon. "...W-when I...first came to N-new York...I...I used to come...here a lot...at night...when I c-couldn't s-sleep...I would...s-swing for hours...until the s...sun came up."
"...Why couldn't you sleep?" Jack asked.
She was quiet for a long time, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath as a chill of wind blew by. "...I always...dreamed...of my p-parents...and...after awhile...it j-just became t-too painful. So...I came here...to swing...just like...how y-you...came out t-to walk..."
Jack's eyes widen a little at Liberty Belle's statement, giving her his full attention as she gave him a knowing gaze.
"...G-grief...makes you...wonder...," She said softly, looking away. "...Bobby...told m-me about...y-your s-sister...it w-wasn't hard...to guess...why...you w-were u-up...wondering the s-streets...in your...pajamas."
Jack chuckled a little at the last part of her sentence, rubbing his neck awkwardly at being read so easily. Liberty Belle was sharp and observant — a deadly skill that could get him in trouble later on. He had always been good at displaying a carefree façade, hiding his true emotions and feelings with ease. However, with Liberty Belle, something always slipped through and Jack got excited when she pointed it out.
"Am I that easy to read, Doe?" He asked — curious to see what she might say.
"No...I j-just know...grief...it's a very...telling e-emotion," She said, sitting up from her swing and moving to stand on it. Using her body, she motioned herself back and forth until she was swinging again. Jack followed her lead again, struggling to stand on his own swing, but finding his balance. He; however, did not swing with her, fearing that his brace would cause him to lean forward and fall off. He instead watched her — his hooded eyes following her every swing. She was such a mystery to him.
"How old were you when they died?"
"...Ten..."
Jack nodded, looking over Liberty Belle with sad eyes. He had not known that she lost her parents at such a young age. Ten years was a very short amount of time, and to only have known your parents for that long compared to a full life must have been hard on her — especially being their only child. They were her only immediate family, and they were gone. She was — in a sense — completely alone in the world — sold off by her only kin to maintain their lifestyle.
"...W...what was...K-kick like?" She asked, turning to face him.
This caught Jack off guard, leaving him without words as he thought of his sister.
"...She was joy," He finally answered in a quiet voice, staring up at the moon. "Complete and utter joy. No one was as vibrant, bold, and lively as Kick Kennedy Cavendish. She was my equal — my other half — my little sister. She had her whole life in front of her, and now—...now she's gone. She's gone..."
A still silence fell over them after Jack's last words with their eyes focused on the moon — somehow finding peace with its presence. It illuminated their faces, seeing what neither were willing to show the other: their tear brimmed eyes and lonesome existence. They were so different, and yet their pain was the same.
They were the same.
Taking a deep breath, Jack lowered his gaze from the moon, finding Liberty Belle looking up at him with a soft expression. It surprised him for a moment, not being the usual glare or indifferent look she would give him, but being gentle, warm, and sincere — offering nothing but comfort and a safe place. An easy smile pulled at his lips as his eyes traced over her face thoroughly, enjoying the sight of such an expression. Yes — he got a thrill out of her annoyed and frustrated expressions, but with the rare soft ones — where she looked directly into his eyes and gave the most sincerest of smiles — Jack felt uncharacteristically weak and speechless, feeling for the first time the nervousness a schoolboy would have for his first crush. It was a frightening feeling given the type of man he was, but surprisingly exciting, giving him an unknown rush. It made him give her his undivided attention with an eagerness to watch her every move.
He wondered sometimes if he had the same effect on her. They were both so good at hiding their most private feelings, but sometimes when Jack stared too long — or gave her an unsolicited compliment through a whisper in her ear, she would look away with a flush to her cheeks and ignore him. Her reactions were so delicious to him.
"...C-congressman...,"
He could not wait for the day she finally called him "Jack".
"Yes, Doe?"
"...K-kick is not gone...S-she'll never be gone...w...with a brother...like you. You'll always have her...here...," Liberty Belle said, placing a hand directly on her heart. "...Kick is alive...here...and always will be..."
Yet, again, Liberty Belle had said something that left Jack without words — that made him think. Mimicking her hand placement on his own chest, he nodded silently, somehow still pulling a smile despite the sadness he felt inside. He agreed with her even though it was not enough for him, but it was all he had. Being with her also helped, calming him in a far more soothing way than the blonde that was still in his hotel room. Without even removing her nightgown, she relaxed his mind by only swinging and talking with him — how powerful the effect she had on him.
"Why are being so nice, Doe?"
She looked away, suddenly finding the ground very interesting.
"...I'm n-not always...mean...to you," She retorted lowly.
The hearty laugh that came from Jack nearly made him fall off his swing, and gave Liberty Belle a rather sour look. He laughed for 5 minutes straight. It annoyed Liberty Belle, causing her to pout and jump off her swing to walk off — she did not get far. Jack jumped off after her, pulling her back by the sleeve of her coat.
"Don't go," Jack chuckled softly, biting his lip at how lovely her pout was. But for a moment, he got serious, staring deep in her cool eyes in a begging manner with a whisper. "Please don't go, Doe."
He did not mean for it to be a beg, but Jack's hatred of being alone got the best of him, wanting his future wife to stay with him just a little longer.
"Stay," He said lowly, pulling gently at her as he walked backwards to his swing. He sat down and pulled her closer, making sure there was just the right amount of space between them.
They stayed like this for a while, just staring at each in silence. Jack was smiling up at her — just happy to have her stay, and Liberty Belle's expression was soft again, watching him curiously with a tilted head. He mirrored her, focusing his gaze to her lips. He was curious as to how soft they were — they looked soft — and sweet. He wanted so badly to taste them, but Jack Kennedy did not kiss — too intimate. He did not do intimacy.
"Are we having a moment?" He teased — still holding on to her coat.
She rolled her eyes at his playfulness. "...A brief...s-shining moment..."
"How thoughtful of you," Jack quipped. "Any possibility of it being a common thing between us?"
"Absolutely not." She did not stutter.
Jack chuckled. "Of course, Doe...Thank you...for walking with me."
"...Don't th-thank me...y-you're to be my...h-husband...one day...it will b-be my job...to take care...of you..."
The early hours of morning were peaking over the horizon when Jack and Liberty Belle returned to the Madison's residence. They had indeed spent the rest of the night with each other, swinging and talking for hours in a way common among most friends. Though they were not friends — at least that is what they believed. Two people that were forced to marry each other were usually not friends. Enemies perhaps, but neither had enough animosity towards each other to consider themselves that. Liberty Belle wanted to, but she was too much of a good person to, and Jack — he was too much of an easy going guy to even consider, and truthfully, was fond of his future wife. The same could not be said from her about him though.
"My apologies for having you out all night, Doe," Jack apologized as they approached the iron gate of the Madison's home.
"...You don't mean i-it...," Liberty Belle said.
Jack shrugged. "I don't but it's the proper thing to say."
She glared at him, but a smile was pulling at her lips which made Jack grin. When they finally made it to the gate, they stood in front of each other for a while, unsure how to part from each other after a night alone. Such things should not have been done until after they were married, but Jack always went by his own rules. Surprisingly, he did behave himself even though his imagination did wonder when the transparency of her nightgown became known. He unintentionally saw everything in a pale pink hue and was aroused for majority of the night. Knowing she would outright refuse him, he did not even consider asking her to relieve him of his pressure. He suffered through the night, but knew he had a lovely blonde back in his hotel room that could help him.
"...I b-believe this is...g-goodnight."
"You mean good morning."
"Leave, Congressman."
Liberty Belle did not say anything else after that, slipping past the iron gate and rushing to the front door. Before walking in, she looked back at Jack, and for a brief shining moment, smiled and waved him farewell.
Jack realized then why he came there in the first place — just to see that smile.
Notes:
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for reading "National Anthem". I appreciate the love and support!
This chapter is really sweet so I just had to upload early. We have one more chapter before the story goes back to Victoria's Third Person Perspective.
What are you guys thinking of Jack's perspective?
Historical Facts
- Kick Kennedy Cavendish was JFK's favorite sister and closest sibling. They were described as being the same in their attractiveness, personality, independence. Her story is quite interesting and sad. She passed away in a plane crash in May 1948. JFK went through a heavy depression after her death, and was inspired to push further in politics because of it.
- JFK was a notorious womanizer and playboy — and had a lot of sex — but contrary to popular belief, he was not an intimate man and was very mediocre at having sex. It was never personal for him, and more of "something to do" to keep himself from getting bored. He really saw women he was sexual with as just playthings. His physical and emotional relationship with women was really influenced by the relationship he had with his parents.
- JFK was very spontaneous. He truly popped up on people out of nowhere and expected them to come with him and do what he wanted — and they did majority of the time. His influence on people was very interesting — almost everyone that knew him wanted to pleased him and be on his good side.
Until next time!
Chapter 7: Chapter 6: Subtle Growing Yearning
Summary:
During a family stay in the Kennedys winter home, Jack continues to grow closer to Liberty Belle, bonding in ways neither intended.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
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"All I do is wantcha,
Wantcha, wantcha, wantcha,
Wantcha right beside me all the time,
When you're not around,
I wantcha to be near,
And you're near I wantcha
Oh, how I wantcha dear,"
All I Do Is Wantcha -
Art Kassel ft. Gloria Hart (1947)
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January 1949
A bored Jack Kennedy was a dangerous Jack Kennedy — his family knew this, his friends knew this, and his colleagues knew this. The only person within his circle who did not know this was his future bride, who his father was determined to keep shielded until they were lawfully married. A rather cruel thing to do, but it was necessary with Jack's type of behavior. No sensible woman would willingly marry him if they knew what he did when he was bored — even if they were desperate for money.
Such humiliation had to be hidden and discovered in due course of the marriage with financial dependency and children keeping her from leaving. Joe Sr. made this very clear to Jack the day he chose Liberty Belle to be his wife.
"Learn to be careful and discreet, Jack."
Something that tickled him since his father has paraded his mistresses in front of his mother for years — inviting them to their homes and entertaining them as of he was not sneaking into their bedrooms at night. Jack had witnessed it all, learning the behavior and possibly being worse with how reckless he was — disappearing during a party to do a girl and leaving with a different one despite coming there with a date.
That is what his boredom would usually led him to do; however, sometimes it was not as tamed. Jack had a tendency to indulge in threesomes and orgies with his appetite as well as go on marathons for up to three days. As a sickly man, he had limited time and he was determined to spend most of it in pleasure — no matter how careless it was. Pregnancy scares came and were handled promptly by his father and team, and any "discomforts" obtained from his liaisons were taken care of by a visit to his physician.
With no consequence to his actions, Jack did whatever he wanted when he was bored, and did little to nothing to truly hide it. The only comfort that Joe Sr. and his team had that the Madisons would not find out about Jack's habits was that the young politician never got bored around his intended. In fact, he was on his best behavior, and not by the instruction of his father, but rather by the endearing attachment he was developing for her through her indifference towards him.
"Come here, Liberty Belle," Jack called out to the green eyed beauty, leaning cooly against the edge of the pool after emerging from its depths.
His bluish green eyes were aimed directly at his Liberty Belle, who was seated nicely on a lounger wearing blue shorts, a white blouse, and sunglasses, reading diligently from a book. She glanced up briefly, staring at him through her shades for a moment, and returning to the book.
The interaction was witnessed by Jack's siblings and Liberty Belle's cousins, who were curious to find a large grin on his face from her rejection.
The Kennedys were visiting their mansion in Palm Beach, Florida for the winter with the Madisons as their guest. Joe Sr. had arranged it for the families to bond more together even though it was actually for Jack and Liberty Belle to be seen together for more pictures. Their official debut as a couple was planned to happen next month during the week of Valentine's with society papers providing a detail scope of their relationship, and his father wanted to make sure they had plenty of pictures for the feature.
So far, Liberty Belle has made all their interactions short, but that did not stop Jack from wanting more of her time.
Pulling himself out of the pool, he walked over to her and sat on the edge of her lounger, purposefully sprinkling water on her legs from his hands to get her attention. She jumped at the first set of droplets, pulling her legs up and glaring at him.
"What'cha reading, Doe?" He asked, leaning close and grinning ear to ear. She looked as though she wanted to through the book at his face. From the perspective of everyone around them, she would have.
"...'I...Capture the Castle'," She finally answered.
"What's it about?" He asked, reaching for the book, but she quickly pulled it away from him.
"...B-buy a copy...and y-you'll f-find out yourself," She retorted.
"Or you could tell me," He offered.
"No."
Liberty Belle never stuttered when she said "no" — Jack theorized it might have been her first word with how easily she said it, particularly when it came him. It was her favorite word to him, and — interestingly enough — it was also his favorite word to hear her say. It was sexy to him.
"Take a swim with me?" He suddenly wanted to see her in the water.
Liberty Belle took off her shades this time, staring at him with a furrowed brows and an unamused facial expression — irritation clear on her features.
"Is she intentionally trying to get me excited."
"...I don't w-want to go...s-swimming....I w-want to...r-read...Now leave m-me alone, Congressman."
If only that was possible for Jack — he took too much pleasure in his future bride's company to just leave her alone. Her hot and cold treatment of him was addicting, licking him in the right way every time. She would want nothing to do with him, and yet in moments like their night at the park, she was incredibly comforting and welcoming — bringing down her walls just a bit to soothe his wounds. She, in her own way, was just as unpredictable as him.
Which is why he was growing a desire to have her constantly near him.
Jack followed Liberty Belle around similar to that of a schoolboy with a crush — if they were in the same location and she was not near him, he found her and made his presence permanent by her side. Initially, she would ignore him, trying her best to drive him away, but then he would say something to pull her into a conversation, dissolving her iciness to mild tolerance. They had similar interest in a lot of things: history, politics, the ocean, cinema — so it was easy for him to talk to her for hours.
When Liberty Belle was there, Jack was entirely focused on her. It was only when she was not there that he would continue with his usual behavior. Joe Sr. came to the conclusion that it was because his son was genuinely interested in her and the energy typically used for his fooling around was directed to wanting to be around her.
Jack denied it, stating he just found it fun to be around Liberty Belle, but with her actively glaring at him at the moment, wanting nothing no more than to read her book, one would challenge that notion.
"What if I don't want to leave you alone?"
Liberty Belle did not answer him, standing up and putting on her sandals before going back inside the mansion. Most men would falter at such a rejection, but Jack just used it to take a good look of her backside, biting his lips at the bounce of it.
"What an ass...," He could only imagine the things he would do to it.
"You could at least pretend like you're not imagining her naked," Bobby's interruption of his brother's daydream nearly got him pushed back in the pool. Jack did not need his nagging in the ear at the moment, and immediately got up to chase after his girl.
His girl.
Jack had never claimed a woman before, especially since Kennedy men had the habit of sharing them, but Liberty Belle was all his — she was going to be his wife. He used to run at the possibility of calling a woman that, but now he was intrigued by the idea — curious as to what his life would be like with her permanently in it. There was excitement building from it, especially when they would finally be allowed to perform the marital act.
The sight of her in her in her transparent nightgown still lingered in his thoughts, providing great motivation when he is being taken care by a congressional aide.
One had even questioned who Liberty Belle was, seeing a portrait of her he had obtained from her uncle on his desk after finishing him.
"That's the future Mrs. Kennedy," Jack told her, feeling no guilt or shame at how she frowned at such information.
"You're engaged?"
Jack thought for a moment and shrugged. "Yeah...not officially, but we will marry."
"What about us?" Her voice cracked at the question, sounding betrayed and hurt.
Zipping up his slacks, Jack looked her with unmoving eyes and a confused smile. "What about 'us'? I'm practically a married man, kid."
He often referred to the women he was involved with as "kid", because he barely remembered their names.
She ran out of his office in tears, leaving Jack to return to work as if nothing just happened.
It was chilling how cold and detached he could be to a woman's feelings, using them and throwing them away with ease while hiding the cruelty with a smile. He was very much so Joseph Patrick Kennedy's son.
Though unlike his father, Jack did not see himself treating Liberty Belle in the same regard as his father treated his mother. He enjoyed seeing her happy, finding her smile and laughter charming whenever she would let her guard down enough for him to see it — so he was going to try his best to make her life with him happy.
"I brought ice cream," He announced, entering the sunroom she was in with a dry body and a change of clothes.
She lowered her book, zeroing in on the two bowls he was carrying as he moved forward. Taking the seat next to her on the sofa, Jack offered her the second bowl and she accepted it, setting down her book for the cold treat.
"...Thank you...," She said before taking in a spoonful. A smile tugged at her lips at how it melted sweetly in her mouth.
Seeing it warmed Jack, who took his own spoonful of the ice cream. They ate in silence, sharing a look and smile or two. Liberty Belle licked her spoon clean after every scoop, prompting Jack to stare at the way her mouth interacted with the utensil. When she noticed his staring, she looked at him with an arched brow, clearly asking what he was staring at. Jack did not answer, but instead took a spoonful of his ice cream and moved it towards her, offering it to her. Liberty Belle looked at it for a long time with wide, questionable eyes — unsure of what to do. Jack moved it closer, bringing it directly to her lips.
It was obvious he wanted her to eat it, but she was hesitant in doing so. She was always so cautious and guarded around him; however, Jack kept his spoon in place. Biting her lip, she finally opened her mouth, accepting the ice cream and thoroughly licking all of it off his spoon. It was a tantalizing view for the congressman, which made him feed her even more of his ice cream. She finished all of it as well as her own.
"Does she even realize how perfect her mouth is."
"...W-why'd you d-do that?..." She asked. Her eyes watched him carefully for an answer.
Jack shrugged with a chuckle, placing the spoon that was once in her mouth in his. There was no remaining ice cream on it, but it was covered in her. She frowned at his lack of response — very irritated, which made him chuckle even more.
"You're darling," Jack said with a wide grin. "How about next month you come visit me in D.C.? No chaperone."
She looked at him as though he had lost his mind — disgust and horror plain on her face. Jack toppled over on the floor in laughter from seeing it, holding his sides as tears streamed down his face. He would not ever tire seeing her reactions.
"...T-that's n-not funny!..." She exclaimed with a red face. She thought he was joking, but Jack was very serious in his offer which made it even funnier.
"My apologies, Doe. It was not my intention to offend such a la—OUCH!"
A sofa cushion hit Jack directly in the face with another one landing hard in his groan. He dodged the third one, jumping back to his feet and rushing towards Liberty Belle to tickle her. It caught her off guard, rendering her to a giggling mess at his hand.
"Say you're sorry," Jack ordered.
"No!" She giggled. He tickled her harder, watching her face turn red. "...Fine! I-I'm sorry!..."
Jack reluctantly released her from his fingers. "I've found your weakness, Doe. Do you surrender?"
"Never."
He was hoping she would say that.
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There was something soothing in listening to Liberty Belle play the piano. Jack could listen to her do it for hours, having it in the background as he read. He would glance over to her every once in a while, admiring how effortlessly she played every note. His father's photographer was also in the room with them, getting snapshots of them together; however, Jack paid him no mind as he closed his book and joined her on the bench. His presence did not disrupt her playing — her focus strictly on the keys.
"I don't think I'm ready for you to leave tomorrow, Doe," He confessed, leaning towards her. She continued playing, but her pale green eyes met his — her face unreadable. "You should ask your uncle to stay longer."
She rolled her eyes at him, returning them to the keys. The photographer took another shot.
"Think you got enough there, pal?" Jack asked.
"Yes, sir."
"How about you take a break then? I won't tell the old man," Jack winked. The photographer nodded, swiftly leaving the room.
"...I r-read your book...'Why E-england Slept'...y-you're far...more insightful t-than I thought...," Liberty Belle said — still focused on the keys. Jack had not been expecting that.
"Is that a compliment, Doe?"
"No."
"I'll take it as one," Jack said. "Did my dad ask you to read it?"
"No...but I think...h-he arranged to...have it o-on my nightstand in my room...I-I spent last n-night reading it..."
"Of course he did," Jack rolled his eyes.
"What did you think about it?"
"...You d-did not blame...one singular thing for...B-britain's lagged r-response...to the war...y-you took the time t-to conclude...it took s-several different f-factors...Not a lot...of p-people are m-mature enough to do that..."
"...Are you impressed?"
"...J-just a little...I-I still don't...l-like you..."
"I love how honest you," He quipped, gaining a chuckle from her.
"...Y-you said...w-we could be honest...with e-each other...I don't p-plan...on stopping..."
"I don't want you to," He smiled. "Always be honest with me, Doe."
She nodded, returning the smile and glancing briefly towards him — her pale green eyes softening just a bit. It was the type of look that made a man want to kiss a woman, but Jack Kennedy did not kiss — no matter how soft and plump the lips were. He did think about it though, imagining how it would feel and how she would react to it. Would she push him away or indulge in him — he never knew with Liberty Belle. She kept him on his toes.
"...W-what was it l-like...over there...in Britain?..."
Jack paused for a moment to think. "It's colder there and the weather is a lot more damp, very aristocratic, and the food could be better...but it's rich in history and culture and the people there got grit and strength. I will never forget my time there."
"...Have y-you b-been anywhere else?..." Liberty Belle asked.
Jack shrugged. "France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands...Lem and I visited all those places in my convertible in the summer of '37."
"...You've b-been to that m-many places?..."
"I have. Haven't you? Don't the Madisons go traveling every summer?"
Liberty Belle paused, stopping her playing and looking straight ahead. "...T-they go...traveling...I always s-stay home...I-I've never even been out of...New York until l-last year..."
Jack furrowed his brows. "Why is that?"
Liberty Belle smiled bitterly. "...T-that's a good question...if o-only I could g-give you...the answer..."
Jack did not like that answer. He molded over it with a visible frown on his face before he got up and went over to a side table, pulling out a paper and pencil and coming back to Liberty Belle.
"Write down everywhere you want to do, Doe, and I promise to take you there one day — just you and me," Jack said, placing the paper and pencil in front of her. "We'll see the world together..."
"...D-do you...really mean t-that?..." She looked as though she did not believe him — her eyes glossy with mistrust.
"I do," Jack simply answered. "I'll take you anywhere you want to go, Doe."
Liberty Belle nodded slowly — still not quite trusting his words, but following his instructions of writing down all the places she wanted to go. When she finished, she placed the pencil down and turned back to Jack with a blank expression — her pale green eyes shining. She stared at him for a long time with hesitation on her face, fidgeting with her fingers. She then abruptly directed her gaze to the door, causing Jack to follow her line of sight and turn his head. In that short moment, he felt the softest, warmest thing press gently against his cheek and pull away quickly.
"...I-I-I...I'm s-sorry...I...I know y-you don't like t-to be touched...b-but I...t-that's they...in t-t- the movies...,"Liberty Belle stuttered nervously as Jack slowly brought a hand to his cheek, holding the spot her lips were once on. He had initially froze up when he first felt them, but then suddenly melted at how nice they felt. It left him quite warm, heating his entire face.
"I-I-I just...w-wanted to t-thank you!..."
Jack chuckled breathlessly. "Gosh, she's darling."
"You don't have to apologize for doing something so lovely, Doe," Jack said, turning back to her with a gentle smile — his hand still on his cheek. "Kiss my cheek whenever you like, dear. Don't take such a sweet thing from me now."
She blushed openly at his words, looking away with surprised eyes. Jack was even surprised by his own words.
"....D-don't s-say things...l-like that, C-congressman!" She ordered before standing up and leaving the room.
However, if only that was possible for Jack now. She had made a mistake by allowing him to experience her lips, and now he was left craving them. Her lips were softer than he imagined. They felt as though they belonged against his cheek, sending feelings of adoration through his skin. He thought about them for the rest of the day.
When the Madisons gave their farewells the next day, Jack was focused on them when Liberty Belle approached him. She stuck out her hand to shake his for their goodbye, but when Jack grabbed it, he did not merely shake it, he held it gently in his hand and pressed a kiss to her gloved hand — leaving Liberty Belle as well as the rest of the Kennedy family surprised and speechless. She stared at him with wide eyes and an open mouth, freezing completely when he bent down and pressed a kiss against her own cheek.
"...G-goodbye, Congressman," She quickly said, pulling her hand away and joining her family in the car.
Jack watched as they drove away, standing in place with his hands in his pockets as their car drove further and further away.
"You alright there, son?" Joe Sr. asked, approaching his son.
"...Yeah, dad," Jack finally answered, scratching the back of his neck. "I, uh, I just think I should visit New York pretty soon."
Joe Sr. nodded knowingly. "You know, son, I thought you were out of her rabbit ass mind when you chose her, but...I think you made the right choice, Jack. You both suit each other well. I think she'll make you happy."
"I want to make her happy," Jack corrected, turning to his father. "...I got some ideas I want to run by you. Meet me in your office."
"Of course, son."
Notes:
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for reading "National Anthem". I appreciate the love and support!
So I decided to redo Chapter 6, so this is the new version. I felt like I was moving things too fast in the first one and had to remind myself this is supposed to be a slow burn — honestly they probably won't get physical until after the wedding. This is last chapter in Jack's perspective. The next three chapters will be in Victoria's perspective.
What are you guys thinking of Jack's perspective?
Historical Facts
- Joe Sr. did bring his mistresses to the Kennedys' homes while Rose was there. They were his so called "guests" and participated in meals, sports, and sailing along with the rest of the family.
- The Kennedys had two homes: The Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts — where they stayed for the Summer and Fall — and La Querida in Palm Beach, Florida — where they stayed for the Winter and Spring. The Kennedy Compound was their legal residence though.
- "I Capture the Castle" is a beloved 1948 novel by Dodie Smith, narrated by 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain, who chronicles her eccentric, impoverished family's life in a crumbling English castle in the 1930s through her journal entries. The story follows the family's dramatic changes, including the arrival of wealthy American heirs, and Cassandra's first experience with love, all while she hones her writing skills and captures the heart of the reader with her witty and poignant observations.
- In the summer of 1937, JFK and his best friend Lem Billings took a significant two-and-a-half-month European tour, documenting their adventures in diaries filled with photos, visiting historic sites in France, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands, observing rising fascism, and having youthful fun. A trip that greatly influenced JFK's later foreign policy views.
- JFK saw so many women that he did start calling them "Kid" because he could not remember their names.
Until next time!
blackfilmfemme on Chapter 2 Wed 10 Sep 2025 08:53PM UTC
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remarkablehistorian on Chapter 2 Thu 11 Sep 2025 03:30AM UTC
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blackfilmfemme on Chapter 2 Thu 11 Sep 2025 10:51AM UTC
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