The Day that Started it All

I walk up to the Richard Rodgers Theater. I am nervous, but composed. I’ve seen Hamilton before so I know what to expect there. I walk into the lobby and there she is. She is wearing a green pant suit because she asked me what my favorite color was and I told her green. I wasn’t specific about what kind of green, but she knew that it was kelly green. She is stunning. I walk up to her and she says with a warm smile, “Hi Brittany!“

I calmly stick my hand out and shake her hand and say “Thank you for everything you’ve done, Hill.” She laughs that I called her “Hill” and says to me “Girl, it has been a JOURNEY. And it isn’t over yet. But we will get there.” I reply, “BB girl, I know. I know. And I’m here every step of the way.” She replies in the most sincerest of tones, “Thank you.”

We chat a little bit more and then walk to our seats. The lights of the theater dim and the lights come up. We hear the first few beats of the opening number and Hill gives me a little wink and squeezes my hand. This is both of our second times seeing the show and we talked earlier about how we are even more excited for this time around because we will be able to fully enjoy it without the shock of anything. Two times is a good amount of times because we can notice other things we didn’t before.

Intermission comes. She asks about my family. She can’t wait to meet Becca and my mom. I tell her how young I was when my mom first started telling me about her. She finds so much delight in picturing a 9 year old me talking about Hillary Clinton. I tell her about my best friend, Liza and how all Liza and I like to do is talk about her. I tell her how Liza is going to law school and we already have plans for Liza’s political career.

I tell her about my boyfriend. I tell her that the other day he said to me he hopes she doesn’t get emotional during the debate with Trump. I tell her that I KNOW he didn’t mean it like that and I KNOW I’m overly sensitive to that word in regards to her. I tell her how I feel badly that I let it bother me that much because I know he is good and I know he doesn’t think that way and that I’m just hyper aware of that word in particular. It’s my buzz word. The whole time I’m rambling about this, she is listening, intently. I finally look at her, pause, and then say, “Well???”

She laughs. She tells me I handled it wonderfully. “You said everything you should have.” She smile at me warmly and continues, “it’s time to let it go.” “But–” I start to interject. She holds up a hand. “You truly have to let it go. He is a good boy. He doesn’t think I’m emotional because I’m a woman. He was only saying that because he knows that Trump has the ability to do that to people–I mean you saw the travesty that was every Republican debate! That boy cares about you very much and is doing good in this world. He sounds like an incredible advocate for everything you believe in. And, don’t worry, everything will all work out once I am elected.”

The lights flicker. It is time for Act 2. I know the second act is going to be hard on both of us. The two of us go back to our seats and act 2 starts. “What’d I Miss” is of course hilarious and we are both giggling as we share our cookie dough bites we got during intermission. When Phillip dies, we both cry–I’m a sobbing, gross, mess and Hillary weeps quietly. She hands me a kleenex.

The show ends. We both are quiet for a minute or so, taking in everything we just experienced. We get to go backstage and meet Lin, Renee, Philipa, Daveed, Leslie and everyone else. We finish chatting with them and we get in her car to drop me off at the hotel for the night.

We get to my hotel. “Well, this is me.” I say. Hillary smiles at me again. “Thank you Brittany. Truly. There are big things in your future. I know it. You’re a funny girl and you fight for what is right in this world. You are going major places.” I’m speechless. Someone opens the door for me and I step out slowly. The door closes. She pulls away.

“WAIT!” I yell. “I forgot to get your number!!!” I start running after the car. They’re driving and seem to be getting further and further away. I throw my shoes off and I’m running on the pavement barefoot, trying to get back with Hillary. “How will we stay in touch??” I’m yelling in the direction of the car. After running for what seems like an eternity, the car finally pulls over. Her window rolls down. “I’m sorry, I just–” She smiles and hands out her phone number on a little slip of paper. When I touch the slip, a flash happens before my eyes.

Time starts to move quickly. It is moving so quickly, I get dizzy. I see everything that is going to happen within the next few months speed by like someone hit a fast forward button. I see the two of us talking on the phone. I see us watching Game of Thrones. I see us preparing her for debates. I see us getting froyo and coffee and tea and pizza and all of our other favorite treats in the world. I see us online shopping together. I see election night. I see our victory party. I want to stop and experience all of these things but I can’t. I try to stabilize myself but I can’t. Finally, everything stops moving.

I find myself bundled up in a warm pea coat. It is cold and I am outside on a stage with Hillary sitting next to me in the middle of winter. She is wearing a beautiful white pant suit and looks more stunning than I have ever seen her. A soft glow seems to be coming from her, and she appears almost angelic.

She is called forward. I finally realize we are there, at her inauguration. Before she is sworn in, she personally thanks me in front of the entire country. She thanks me for all my help and everything I have done for her. She thanks me for being her confidant over the past few months and for making her laugh and listening to her vent. She places her hand on the bible to be sworn in and I say, “Wait! Hill! But what about Liza??” She winks at me with a sly smile. “Just wait,” she whispers.

That night, the ball is exquisite. At one point, Hillary walks up to the stage and takes the microphone. “Many of you thought I forgot about Liza. I could never forget about her. She’s kept Brittany sane and therefore she’s kept me sane. In fact, I would like to take this opportunity to make my official appointment announcement to nominate Elizabeth Bates Scott to the Supreme Court, to fill the seat of the late Justice Scalia.“ Hillary claps and urges the crowd to join in. Ruth Bader Ginsburg stands up and reaches out to Liza to walk her to the stage. Liza thanks Hill, gives her a kiss on the cheek and thanks everyone for being there this evening.

“Brittany??” I hear my name. I blink and I open my eyes. I am back in New York, standing at Hillary’s car, her number in my hand. “Are you ok?” I smile at her. “I think I’m gonna be fine.” I turn to walk away. “Oh, wait!” I hear her and turn around. “Do you like cheese fries?”

“Do I like cheese fries?? Does Obama love universal health care?” She smiles at me. “Get back in the car, I know a GREAT cheese fry place.” I get in the car and look to the future.