When Joseph Patten returned home on election night. For the first time. He allowed himself to believe that they were going to win. Himself, Tabitha, and especially George and Molly. Deciding on an easy dinner for tonight - the butterfly sensation in his stomach telling him that he may not be able to handle much more - he opted for an pre-made dinner that could just be placed in the oven. Setting the timer for the required 25 minutes, the rest of the instructions were followed as he made for his living room and turned over to the news.
Naturally, a lot of the focus was on the Presidential Elections that were taking place as well, this being 2012. Between incumbant Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney, which, despite his [Obama] early lead, had seen a closing of the gap in the final two weeks. What mattered to him, at this point though, was the result for the school's superintendant position, which would actually make the news, given just how it had become what was essentially a referendum on the rights of so-called animal-people. The result came in 68-32 in favour of Tabitha Choir, with a turnout expected to be greater than 90%.
At this, all Patten could do was sink into his chair. Placing his right hand on his forehead. They'd done it. Tabitha had won. And by a landslide. And yet, the only real emotion coming through him was relief, that it had all come through. Once he'd come round. The first thing he did was pick up the phone and call the Choirs, congratulating them on their win. He also called George and Molly, though they had already heard.
Any further thought concerning the elections was cut off after the phone went down though, as the timer on the oven went, telling him that it was time to eat. A dinner that was slower than normal, giving the odd sensations in his stomach, something he put down to the utter relief he felt having reached the end of a long, and painful road. Hopefully now, thing could start to improve - for Columbia Falls in general and George and Molly in particular - with the last substantial part of Beauregard's legacy knocked out.
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He did manage to get some sleep that night, though only five hours worth, the stomach still causing him issues. Though not as bad as the night before. He supposed he'd have to take it easy for a while. After all, he HAD been doing a lot of overtime work lately, he supposed it was only natural that he'd be feeling a little down now. Nothing a few easy nights couldn't fix.
This made the early breakfast a simple cereal that he'd be able to cope with, along with a cold drink. Along with the results for the other elections being held at this time.
As for the Presidential Elections. They were close, very close. So far Nevada was the only State yet to delcare, with their six electoral college votes being the decider. Traditionally, Obama would have the upper hand with the State of Ohio. But if Romney took Nevada, he would enter the history books by being the first Republican to win the presidential election WITHOUT Ohio. Turnout was expected to be in the high 60s in percentage terms. It was going to be a close one.
Not that he could stay and watch, he needed to be ready for another day of teaching, and with his stomach pangs subsided. He took care of all the chores needed to get ready, got into his car, and fired up the engine to take himself to the school.
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Elsewhere......
*Insert massive explitive of over 100Db that gets anyone nearby to stop what they're doing and stare*
Elsewhere again......
"Mommy?" began Megan Jenkins. "Did you hear someone scream out......