7am and I'm already dressed to go. Chelsea told me that I can skip the 8 o'clock meeting and tour the building. The next meeting will be by 10 so I have plenty of time, besides, I won't be spending lots of time in every department. I'll just observe for a few minutes and then leave.
As I was having my breakfast, Light and I were texting each other. He also has to start up early with his dad.
Before I know it I'm already standing in front of the building. I took the bus and because the bus stop is a block away I walked to the building and now I'm staring at the big and bold signage at the front, "DUANE", that's it. No other signage, just that.
As I entered, a guard checked my bag and let me enter. I approached a receptionist to ask where the elevators are and to also ask for the different department floors.
"Welcome to the Duane empire building how may I help you?" A bored looking woman asked me. The only thing missing is a nail file and she fits the picture of a bored looking lady. She looks me up and down and frowned.
This is not what I had expected the receptionists should be. If they all act like this then I would not like them to be the first I see when I enter the building cause they'll just ruin my day or anybody's day for that matter.
Still, I pasted a smile on my lips and politely asked. "Hi, I'm just gonna ask you where the elevators are."
She tsked and did the head to toe assessment again. I guess I should've dressed in a business suit or something but then again I'm just here to observe and I'm most definitely not here to work yet. Besides, I'm a high school student, it's awkward enough for me to wear gowns let alone business suits.
"Do you have an appointment?" The receptionist asked with a hint of annoyance.
"Uh no actually but you can call-"
"Then you are not allowed to go up. You can only go up there if we give you a pass and since you don't have an appointment then you may leave." She said cutting me off.
"But you see-"
"Look here kid, either you leave now or I'll call the security and force you to leave. You're not even dressed appropriately." She said cutting me off again.
I'm starting to loose my patience. There is truth in what she's saying but the way she handled it is wrong. She didn't even let me finish talking.
"Is this the way you treat people here?" I asked with mild curiosity.
"Only to people like you. Now get out before somebody sees me talking to you. I don't want to be fired for entertaining someone who is clearly here to ask for charity." She said dismissively.
I stood there gaping at her for a few seconds before I took my phone out to call Chelsea. She answered after a few rings.
"Hey have you arrived already?" She immediately asked when she answered her phone.
I didn't answer her, instead I asked her a question while still looking at the receptionist who is now scowling at me. She took a phone and called someone and I think it's security.
"Are the receptionists here always this nasty or it's just my uncanny ability to attract bitches?" I asked Chelsea sounding annoyed. The receptionist must have heard me when she openly scowled at me now.
"I don't really know. No receptionist in your company has been bitchy to me although I am known from the start that I am your personal assistant which by the way is a prestigious job."
"I'm starting to regret this secrecy. Why don't you come down here Chelz and let me up." I don't want my day ruined early.
"I'm on my way down the minute you called. Hang on a sec."
I ended the call and waited. The security was first to arrive and the receptionist explained that I'm causing trouble and resisting to leave. I almost burst into laughter when she said that I'm here to ask for charity.
"Come with us now little girl. You are not allowed to cause trouble here." A security guard grabs my arm and the other grabs my other arm. I looked so tiny in the middle of the two guards they could easily snap my arms.
"Actually, I'm allowed to cause trouble here." I said grinning.
The security guard's sigh was loud and he explained with patience. "I'm sorry girly but we are gonna have to escort you out."
"You may want to remove your hands off her if you know what's good for you." Chelsea snaps as she approach us. It's amazing how we still haven't caught attention.
"Ma'am, we're just escorting this girl out." The security guard tries to explain.
"And may I ask why?" This Chelsea is very different from the Chelsea I know. She's serious and definitely menacing, I love her.
The receptionist was the one who answered. "This girl is here for charity and wants to go up without any appointment."
"I see, did you asked for her purpose in coming here? Did you asked for identification?" Chelsea asked or more likely interrogated.
"I didn't need to ask for those, her clothing alone speaks for her."
"So you judged her based on her appearance?"
"Uh n-no,I'm just-"
This time, lady receptionist was the one who got cut off. "You're job is to entertain everyone that enters this building. You represent the company as the first one's to be seen. Now tell me, what part of your job tells you to discriminate those who come here that doesn't fit your high level of scrutiny. Have you not heard what I said to let her arms go? You should know better than to embarrass your boss like this." Chelsea turned to the guards who were still holding my arms as she finished her litany.
The receptionist is flushed and is sweating profusely. I guess Chelsea really is on top of this companies food chain. She's clearly respected here.
The security guards slowly released my arms. I can't help but shake my head. This is getting way out of hand. It's time to finish this so I can continue my tour.
"Chelsea, I want you accompany me in my tour. I guess this will always happen if I'm alone. As for you," I said gesturing at the receptionist and guards, I don't want this, whatever this is, getting out. If news about me being here is spread before I make the announcement I'll know who did that. And if you so much as think that I will let you off easily then you're mistaken. I don't take easily to those who backstabs me and by the time I'm done with you, no one in this country will ever hire you. Am I understood?" I asked with authority.
I didn't wait for their answer. I swiftly turned to Chelsea. "Lead the way."
"Yes ma'am." Chelsea led me to the elevators. She asked me if I want to use the elevator for executives but I declined. We first went to the 20th floor since the first floor up to the 19th floor we're rented by different businesses and the 20th through 60th floor were used by our company.
The tour lasted for almost two hours with Chelsea pretending to be my cousin and she leaves me alone in each floor while she went to talk to the managers.
No one took notice of me. Some gave curious glances but otherwise ignored me when Chelsea explained that I'm her cousin and she's "babysitting" me for the day. I don't know if that is really allowed but since everyone seems to accept her reason then who am I to disagree.
The employees I observed tend to use more time socializing rather than working. Some even gossip with each other for a long period of time. They seem to slack off when they are not impressing someone.
By the time we reached the top floor I am exhausted and disappointed. If this is how they work then the company needs improvement.
"I don't know about you but I am immensely disappointed." I instantly told Chelsea as I sat on my chair.
"Yeah, sorry about that. There's definitely changes that needs to be made." Chelsea agreed.
I sighed loudly and rested my feet on the table. "Is this office mine?"
"Yes. Charlie and I put it together. Do you like it?"
"Yep! It's not so bland and boring like the offices I saw earlier." I answered with two thumbs up.
"I'm glad you like it. Your father's office is on the other side. This used to be your mother's office. Only you and your father occupies this floor."
"Oh, do you think I should have my office now?" I asked a little uncertain.
"Yeah. Unlike what you wanted before to start at the bottom to understand everything, starting here now with your father mentoring you is better. You will get the ropes faster and better. He did run the company for years now."
"I know, it's just that, it's awkward between us, you know. I don't know how to act around him. It's gonna take a while before I'll be comfortable with him."
My father and I seemed to come into a silent agreement to work together and not fight. I mean I still remember everything, still feel hurt about the past but I realized that harboring hatred, regret, disappointment and all the negative energies is not worth it. I can't live my life with my past controlling it. Me and my father just need to talk it out and work it out together. I'm just not sure if I'm fully ready to break my walls down and welcome him.
"The meeting will start in about fifteen minutes. Would you like to go to the conference room now?" Chelsea asked oblivious to my chaotic mind.
"Sure but first I need to know what the meeting is for."
"Oh yeah, it's only a proposal about another business venture. Susan Paine is proposing for your company to enter publishing. I still don't know what sort of publishing whether it be on magazine, books or news." Chelsea explained.
"I think that's a great idea. I'm interested to here about her proposal."
"Then let's go. Her team should be there already preparing."
"Is my father going?" I asked curiously.
"No. He's on another meeting at the moment."
When we arrived at the conference room, Susan Paine's team is scrambling to finish everything that needs to be done.
They all watched us when we entered and a woman dressed exceptionally came towards us with tight smile. I assume she's Susan Paine.
"Ms. Summers, I didn't know you will be joining us today." She said still smiling tightly. This woman should lighten up although I understand her what with all the scrambling happening on her team.
"Yes well I would like to report to Ms. Duane about your excellent idea although your unpreparedness is disappointing." Chelsea answered sporting a tight smile herself.
"I assure you that we are only encountering a mild setback." Susan glanced my way when she noticed me.
"And who is this?"
"This is my cousin, I hope you wouldn't mind me bringing her." Chelsea answered charmingly.
"Of course not. May I guide you to your chair then Ms. Summers."
"No need. We'll best be off your back so you can help your team."
Chelsea didn't wait for Susan to answer and went to the head chair. She mentioned for me to sit there while she occupies the one behind me.
"I don't think that's a good idea letting your cousin sit on the boss' chair." Susan said frowning at me.
"That's alright. Mr. Duane will not be coming today because he has prior commitments. Go help your team so you'll be ready when the others joins us." Chelsea easily dismissed her.
When Susan left us, I turned to Chelsea and raised my brows questioningly.
"We've never really seen eye to eye. She hates my guts especially when I was chosen to be your assistant." Chelsea whispered.
"Chelz you're surprising me a lot today. You are very different here." I whispered back.
"If I show any weakness to this people, they will eat me alive. You don't know how may people wants my job and I intend to keep it."
"Don't worry Chelz. I won't let them take you away from me. You've kinda grown into me."
"Thanks. It means a lot and working for you helps me and my family survive." Chelsea look to be close to tears but catched herself.
"I want you to take note and also get copies of their report when they're done." I said changing our topic.
"You got it. This is the first meeting you're attending so don't work yourself up too much." I just nodded in reply and went to observe what they were doing.
Some throw curious glances my way every few minutes but didn't approach us. Susan's team managed to pull it off and was ready when people started streaming in. More curious glances were thrown my way and others who recognized me were surprised of my presence. I sent Chelsea to talk to them into avoiding mentioning about me being me. They understood and kept silent.
Susan was the presentor and I was excited of her report. One of the things I like is reading and having our own publication is something I am excited about.
By the time Susan finished her report, my excitement has died down.
"So, are there any questions?" Susan asked to no one in particular.
"I do." They all turned to me when I spoke.
"I'm sorry kid but you're not part of this company and I'm not entitled to answer any of your questions." Susan said dismissing me.
"If you don't answer my question, Chelsea will ask it for me. You will then be entitled to answer the question thus prolonging the inevitable." I said raising my brow at her challenging.
She look mad at me but stayed silent.
"Now, will you answer my questions?" I asked.
"Fine. What is your question?" She asked gritting her teeth.
"Your report lacks researches about the probability of this venture's success. How will you prove to us of your proposal's success?"
"The research has not been done since this is just a proposal." She answered.
"I know this is just a proposal. If you really want this to be approved then I assume you should have done everything to ensure the success of this venture. How do you suppose the president will agree to your proposal if your report looks like it's done for just a day?" The longer I talked the redder Susan gets. I don't know if it's because she's embarrassed or she's mad at me. I'm guessing the latter.
"The president already approved of my proposal when I discussed it with him." She almost spat the words at me proving my prediction that she's definitely mad.
"Ah, if he has already agreed, then why the need for this meeting?" When she didn't answer me I continued speaking. "He needs facts. Opening up a publication needs a lot of money and investing into it with only your word to hang on to is too risky. In your report, you didn't even specify if it'll be for books, magazines, newspaper or whatever. Your report is not specific enough, it's very broad."
"Now listen here, my team did their job. If we were given enough time, we would have done better. Since this is just a proposal and the president has already agreed, everything you said does nothing."
"I beg to differ Ms. Paine, I have a say in this. I have a say in everything that concerns this company. If you have done your job exceptionally then there would never have been a question if your proposal will be a success. Unfortunately, there are many loopholes that you should have seen from the very start. I want you to revise everything and have it ready by next week. A meeting will be conducted here at the same time next week and if this proposal of yours doesn't meet my expectations then we'll let another team have it improved."
"You can't do that! You have no right! No right at all!" Susan almost screamed.
"I believe you're the only one here in this room who hasn't realized who I am. Your team has certainly did when I started questioning you." Slowly, her face transformed into hesitation then recognition. She gasped then covered her mouth.
"I-I I'm sorry Ms. Duane. I didn't recognize you." She stuttered and I saw her hands shake.
"I'm giving you and your team a second chance Ms. Paine because I believe there is a future for this proposal of yours but I need all the facts loud and clear. There are already lots of publications, lots of competition and you have to prove its success especially since almost everything we read now can be found on the internet."
"Yes ma'am. We will not disappoint you again." I saw something change on her. She looks determined and that alone proves me that she will do better next week.
"Chelsea, I suppose my undercover tour has ended. Let's have a break then attend those other meetings."
I stood up and everybody also stood up. I was surprised by their sign of respect for me and also grateful.
As soon as I sat on my office chair I sighed heavily and slumped on my table. "That was tiring. Chelz I'm hungry. Can I eat first before we go to our next meeting?" I asked with pleading eyes.
Laughing and shaking her head, Chelsea went through a door and came back with a tray of food. "I had your father's secretary prepare some for you since I know how you tend to eat a lot."
"Hey! I love food. Give me my food so I can survive this day without a scratch."
As I eat with Chelsea, she informs me about the next meeting and also the rest. If in luck, I will be done before five which means I can surprise my grandparents in the airport since they'll arrive at six.
My day turned out to be very interesting. News of the heiress in the building created chaos and mass hysteria. I kid you not.
everywhere I go, employees where either very enthusiastic or very stiff. At some point I almost laughed at the dramatic shift of atmosphere.
The meetings were very informative and migraine inducing from all the information I gathered. Some of the meetings we've attended were weekly reports and I've learned that my dad should really be a workaholic to be able to let this company thriving.
By the time the last meeting ended it was quarter past five. It's a good thing the airport is thirty minutes away so I still have time.
My grandparents were very happy when they saw me waiting for them. I really missed them both. We chatted inside the car and they told me that they've fixed the problem and so far everything is running well. They also told me that they've got some presents for me and my friends.
When we reached our house, Ana, Ben, Light and my friends are already waiting for us. My grandparents were elated and were already in deep conversation with Ana and Ben. Of course Light managed to sneak in a kiss which was really not sneaky since we got teased by our friends.
Dinner was splendid. Even my father, Miranda and Coleen joined us and still, we enjoyed the dinner. I'm happy to have my grandparents back. If I can only let them stay here and stop working I would but that is beyond my capabilities. For now, I will enjoy and treasure every minute with them.
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(UNEDITED)
I've reached the number 50 spot on teen fiction and that's a huge deal to me so thanks guys for reading my story.
~mizreena