In Her Head - Collision Course

Skeel International

After getting her pass and directions she went to the lift, her heels made a clunking sound on the marble floor, as the doors opened she realised she had to use her pass in order for the lift to go up to the 20th floor. She was starting as an Executive Assistant to the Media Director today. Last Monday she had a meeting with Toyah Lees from HR, who hired her on the spot pending references, she received the call on Friday late in the morning once the references came back. Toyah asked if she could start Monday morning at 9am, although she hadn’t worked in 10 years she was involved in various organisations on a voluntary basis and her experience in those spoke volumes. The new Media Director was also starting today, the email contained a short bio of him that mentioned his past experience, it also stated he was a ruthless businessman who always got the job done. The one thing it didn’t mention was that Peter Skeel was also the son of Frank Skeel, owner and CEO of Skeel International, Toyah had asked her in the interview how she felt about that, Elle replied that she was indifferent, she is there to do her job, who it was made no difference to her. Elle refused to do an internet search as media articles couldn’t give an insight into a person, she would rather find out for herself, each person has their own version of you, besides, Elle was the worst for snappy comments in her head that constantly judged. They meant nothing, normally it is a reflex based on previous experiences. Elle didn’t make up her mind on snappy comments, she watched others actions. The lift pinged.

This is it, she thought.

Fake it until you make it, as long as they cannot see my nerves then it will be fine she thought bravely. 

Outside of the Executive offices she was met by a curly haired, round faced lady, she had such beauty, she introduced herself as Belinda, Secretary to Frank Skeel. Belinda had a stern face but her eyes were warm, it made Elle feel like she could be herself with her. As soon as Elle smiled and shook her hand Belinda warmed to her and treated her in a friendlier manner, Elle relaxed, Belinda smiled brighter and her brown eyes lit up. Elle couldn't quite get a read on her age, she finally decided on around 55 years old. She started walking Elle to the Media Directors office. The office space had open plan work stations and just behind that were offices with what you would call cubby holes for the assistants, they arrived at the Media Directors office, thankfully it was on the corner and Elle had a lot of space with natural light, fortunately her desk was outside of the office so she was at least pleased he wouldn’t be looking over her shoulder. Belinda handed a file to Elle that contained log in details and company information then said “Peter isn’t in this morning but he should be back just after lunch, take the time to familiarise yourself with the office and set up the diary and inbox connection. His phone has already been transferred to your desk, your phone is transferred to my office at the moment. The phones are standard set up and there is a directory in your drawer to help. Once you have familiarised yourself, come along to me, our office is left then down to the end, you will know it when you see it.” Elle smiled thankfully at her.

At least I don’t have to get hold of IT straight away Elle thought thankfully. 

“I took the liberty of booking a one hour slot in both your diaries at 1pm so you can go through everything together, if he's anything like Frank, then you will want to know what he expects from you when he is out of the office. Frank is always dashing out so rescheduling is a nightmare for me” she laughed. As she was talking Elle noticed Belinda's eyes light up, she seemed to love her work and Elle knew she would get along just fine with her. Belinda warmed up to Elle very quickly, her face was so friendly and Motherly, even the tone she was now using came across as Motherly. Elle smiled at her, “Belinda, do you have half hour free for lunch? I ask because I think it would be great to pick your brain on who is who around the office and what they are like” Elle asked. Belinda laughed, “you beat me to it. I think you are going to get along perfectly here, we have had too many coming and going because they thought they knew it all or they felt they were above the other office staff”. Elle was shocked but quickly covered it, it still made Elle sad that people could be so mean, Belinda patted Elles hand and said “don’t worry, we have a majority of amazing people here and you will fit in just fine. But I will warn you, Becky the admin assistant at finance heard it was Mr Skeels Son who will be taking the position and she wanted it badly. She doesn’t have the right skill set to do what's needed nor can she keep her mouth closed and you know how it goes in Executive Offices. I’m not sure what is going on with her but beware because she seemed determined.”

Oh bugger it, why the hell do I get the crazy stalker psychos? Nope, couldn’t go without a hitch, there had to bloody be something. Grrrr. Elle thought. 

“Belinda thank you, it is appreciated,” Elle said. Belinda smiled at Elle thinking she will do great things here but I need to keep an eye on that Becky one, that girl is just a nasty piece of work. Before she turned to head back to work “I’m on extension 1225 if you need anything, have a good morning and don’t worry, I will have your calls until after lunch” she winked at Elle, then Belinda pulled her in for a hug. Rather than tensing, as she normally would, Elle returned the hug feeling thankful and comforted. She knew she would get on with Belinda and smiled as she put her bag away to start getting everything set up. 

Okay, I may as well log Peter on and give myself access to his email and diary. I think I am going to create a drop folder we can share too, I hope he at least halfway knows his way round a computer, she thought.

Belinda walked into her office suite asking her Personal Assistant, Stephanie, if she was okay to handle things today as she had a lot to do, Stephanie waved her away and Belinda chuckled walking towards Franks office. Stephanie had moved from their logistics department, it was also her first day. Belinda spent a month in logistics to help out while they were looking for a Manager, she realised within the day that Stephanie was more than capable in her role as a Secretary but she learned that Stephanie was also trustworthy. She called Stephanie last week to see if she would come and help her out as a secondment for three months. Stephanie had dark brown hair with blonde highlights, she had a heart shaped face with stunning blue eyes. her peachy flawless skin and slim build made her a target for men who wanted a trophy wife. They soon fell into line when they talked to her, she made it very clear that she wasn't available, at 23 Stephanie was wise beyond her years. Belinda would now make sure she had no issues on that side of things, she was very protective of Stephanie and Stephanie respected Belinda a great deal.

Frank was on a call but smiled at her when she walked through the door and mouthed something to her. Belinda let him finish but frowned, she had an idea what he was talking about but she had her own news. Frank finished his call saying, “I will see you this afternoon Son, try your hardest but if not then just head in at the time we agreed and we can get a plan of action, at least you have one lead though. If they aren’t forthcoming we can find another way to make them talk." After a pause, "yes Son, just come straight to my office and we will talk, Stephanie is going to reschedule your appointments this morning.” After another pause, "She has just started, your Mother found her at Logistics and she likes her," Frank chuckled at whatever he was saying and then finished the call saying, "See you soon Son." He replaced the handset and walked round the desk to Belinda giving her a long slow kiss, even after all these years they still felt the same about each other, the flutters when they thought of each other. Once they pulled away from the kiss, he eagerly told her what he was discussing on the phone. “He found her, Peter found her! He was so shocked! He tried to chase after her but he lost her through the rush and he couldn’t get her scent, she covered it. All he could do was follow her scent in the opposite direction.” Belinda burst out laughing, a wholehearted laugh that had tears streaming from her eyes, she struggled to get her breath and the more angrier Frank was looking the more she was laughing. After a while she calmed down enough to tell Frank why she was laughing, his jaw nearly hit the floor and then he joined in too. “This will be a very interesting day indeed my love”. Belinda walked over to the sofa with her husband and sat down cuddling into him, they were both now feeling happier and a little more settled than they have in many, many years. “I cannot wait to see his face,” Belinda said and that was it. Both of them doubled over laughing feeling the weight of the world lift off of their shoulders, “We need a lot of questions answered though,” Frank said when they had calmed down. "We have to take it easy, I think it hasn't been as straight forward as we might think" she sighed. "Well considering it has been 20 years I would be surprised if it was," he agreed.

What is that God awful smell? Somebody fell over in the perfume shop. She laughed to herself, If they taint my coffee I will flipping scream! She thought angrily. 

As soon as she looked up she seen a very slim, big busted, blonde haired girl, she must have only been around 20 years old. Her blue eyes really stood out with her tanned skin and full lips. Why is she caked in make-up? She really needs some tips, she is taking away her natural beauty, Elle thought. "So you are the new Assistant, huh? I was expecting... ...more" Caked face said with her nose crinkling as if she was disgusted. 

Here we go, here we go, here we gooooo, "really Elle? A football chant?" "Well at least I didn't smack her." Elle really had to get out of these conversations in her head, they only took a split second and she honestly had no idea how to control it. 

"Ah, you must be Becky? Well Becky experience is a great deal, so do you have a message from your boss for us or should I get on to someone about you needing more work seeing as you have time to wander around the Executive Offices?" Elle drawled while raising an eyebrow. Becky was turning red and you could feel the anger rolling off of her in waves. "Run along dear, and don't bother wandering around the Executive Offices again, you have no need to be here." Elle dismissed, playing on the fact that she was older than Becky. "I couldn't agree more!" Belinda roared turning the corner making both their heads snap up. "Becky, if you are seen here again I will have no other alternative but to have your contract terminated, we deal with sensitive information here" Belinda warned. Becky put her head down and rushed off mumbling what sounded like a fake apology, Belinda headed straight to Elles telephone and called the Executive Offices reception. "If I ever see that girl here in this area again, I will come down on you all like a ton of bricks. Remember you are our first contact for these offices and Becky is not to get through!" Belinda roared at them, Elle could only imagine their faces but was relieved Belinda had her back, she would not want to be on the other side of her. Ever! Belinda slammed the handset down, not even waiting for a response from the other end. "Sorry Elle, you do not need that. I heard her tone to you and seen red, she is a nasty piece of work that one," Belinda explained. Elle breathed a sigh of relief and apologised, "Belinda, I don't know what got into me. I am normally much more diplomatic but with the look on her face I knew I had to make it clear I wouldn't be taking her sh... er crap." Belinda laughed, she really couldn't help herself. "Elle, I couldn't have put it better myself and I honestly don't think Becky will ever look for a confrontation with you again," she said, grabbing her sides that were paining her from all the laughing she has done today. "No, I don't think she will" Elle chuckled. "Elle, you are going to get on brilliantly here with us. I cannot wait to see what the future holds" she stated jovially and Elle smiled, the comment Becky made had gotten to her but she pushed it from her mind, it would more than likely catch up with Elle right before bed. "I am all caught up here Belinda," Elle said. "Okay, let's head off to meet Frank and my assistant Stephanie, you are going to love Stephanie, she is the epitome of how a respectful girl behaves," she said proudly. Elle smiled but then it dawned on her she was about to meet the CEO. "Belinda, I'm sure he has other things to do than meet with me" Elle laughed, "Oh no, you are about to meet my husband. Just wait until he hears about Becky" Belinda laughed.

Huh, oh well that makes sense but seriously how the hell am I going to explain that, one hour in on my first day and I was completely unprofessional because someone was being petty. No getting out of it, Belinda seems like she won't waiver so we may as well just get this over with. Here we bloody go, Elle contemplated.

Elle was still in awe of the Executive area, it had burgundy carpet throughout, white tables you could plug your laptop in, the chairs around the tables were light grey and it looked very contemporary. The office and meeting room doors were a rich mahogany colour and the floor to ceiling glass partitions reflected the natural light mixed with the white walls it gave the area an airy feel. A minute or two later they were standing outside one of the offices, this office was completely different to the rest, this was the only office that had double doors, just through them was a long leather sofa to the left side and just in front of that was a low coffee table with a few newspapers. On the right side there was a long sideboard with two fridges underneath and cupboards that were also that wonderful mahogany colour, on top sat a coffee machine, bowls that contained biscuits, a basket that held pastries under a clear cloche, an organiser that contained sugar and next to those, different style cups, mugs and saucers. Further in there were two desks opposite each other, one on each side, just beyond them was a frosted, soundproof glass wall that had another set of double doors. "No wonder you are so happy at work, this office is magnificent" Elle said in awe. Belinda laughed and Stephanie looked up, "It sure is," Stephanie laughed. They made their way over to Stephanie and Elle shook her hand smiling as they introduced themselves.

The ladies were getting into a conversation about what happened earlier and they heard a laugh behind them, they all jumped and Frank laughed harder. Belinda rushed over to him and playfully slapped his arm, "You scared the living daylights out of us" Belinda pouted, Frank gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "I came out as Elle finished introducing herself, you ladies are going to be trouble," he laughed as he walked over to Elle. He held out his hand to Elle, "Frank Skeel," he introduced himself. Shaking his hand, Elle replied "Elle Collis Mr Skeel, it's a pleasure to meet you." Elle was smiling, feeling more at ease. "Oh call me Frank, we aren't formal in the offices, just outside" he said with a wink and Elle giggled. Frank was over 6ft tall, he had an athletic build and light brown hair, his eyes were pale green but warm and welcoming. His face was handsome, and his haircut was accentuating his jawline making it look sharp. Elle placed his age at about 58 years old at the most. It made her wonder how old Peter might be, he must be young she thought. Frank ushered Elle and Belinda into his office, as soon as they walked through his doors there was a long, glass and chrome, oval conference table, in the middle of that table sat a conference phone and some newspapers, the table had 14 chairs in chrome and black surrounding it. The carpet in here was a pale jade colour, the walls were white and there was a long high gloss, white cupboard that lined the right wall, there was a black, leather sofa on the left side with a low glass and chrome coffee table just in front of it with another sofa on the opposite side. His desk was amazing, it was at the opposite end of the room and looked tike it would fit two people with room, that was also glass and chrome. Elle was in awe yet again. "Come and sit down, make yourself comfortable," Frank said as he sat himself and Belinda on one side of the sofa, Elle walked over and sat on the other side just as Stephanie brought in the coffee. 

Flipping heck I need some tips off of that girl, that was quick and she wasn't even asked, Elle thought. 

As she left they helped themselves to coffee and sat back, Frank smilled at Elle and started asking questions. "What brings you to work at Skeel?" 

Oh flip, here we go, breathe, she thought. Elle could feel the pain start rising in her chest, she could feel the sweat already making its way to the surface, her hands were clammy but she was grateful the shaking hasn't started yet. 

"Well, I have been a stay at home Mum for the past 10 years," she started. Frank coughed "during that time I have helped Organisations on a voluntary basis while the kids have been at school." She continued. Frank took a coughing fit and was struggling to get a breath, Elle jumped up to run out and grab him some water while Belinda patted his back. Elle came back in and handed him the water, "are you okay Mr Ske.. Frank?" Elle asked. "I am fine now, thank you," he replied after taking a sip of the water. "I must get them to sort the air conditioning, I sometimes have coughing fits with it," he explained. "Before I rudely interrupted, you told us you have children, how many do you have? What are their ages? Is there a Mr Collis?" he asked. Breathe Elle, breathe she thought. Elle took a couple of deep breaths, smiled and then responded "I have two children, my Daughter is 10 and my Son is 8. They are amazing and a joy," she told them, her smile faded to a fake one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I seperated from their Father before my Son was born" Elles eyes lit up when she was talking about her children but Frank and Belinda didn't miss the dimming in her eyes when she mentioned the kids Father. Elle looked down but Belinda pressed her "What happened sweetie?" Elle breathed deep again and looked up and answered, "It seemed we wanted different things, it wasn't a nice marriage but I am out of it now and I haven't been happier," Elle smiled but again, it was a false smile and they didn't miss it. Elle caught the look between them and blurted out, "things are very different now." She tried her best to assure them but Frank paled, "How bad was it?" he asked, his voice was slightly hoarse. 

Oh flip, there is no getting out of this, Why did I have to say so much? They are so easy to open up to. Why can't I lie? Because it makes you look untrustworthy. But I don't want to look weak! You aren't weak, you pulled through and came out stronger, you made it. Okay, well what if I just tell them? Yes, no, yes, no. Oh for flip sake, you've had it Elle! So much for flipping faking it! Elle argued with herself.

Looking at them both Elle opened up, "Not a lot of people know this but I will tell you, I do not want this to become public knowledge but I won't lie to you both and I have more respect for you both than to fob you off with a half truth." They both nodded at Elle and motioned her to continue, Elle decided to open up this once, if it made a difference she would find another position and not include this one on her CV. "The marriage was abusive, I turned into a different person and walked away without an ounce of confidence, two breakdowns later and a diagnosis of depression and anxiety, I focused on myself for a few years. The kids got me through it along with some other support and I walked out on the other side. I never wish to go back there and I have no desire to discuss this with others nor do I want to be treated with kid gloves. If this makes a difference to my position here then please let me know now, I will understand." Elle mustered up with all the strength she has, it still hurt and she still felt guilty that she let that happen to herself but she has been through too much to bow down and break now. Belinda had tears rolling down her face now. "I'm so sorry to you both but I don't want pity, like I said I am through it n.." Elle couldn't finish, both Belinda and Frank had pulled her up into a hug, Elle hadn't even seen them move. She could feel the sting in her eyes but she refused to allow the tears to escape, Elle apologised to them both again, she hated making people sad. Frank and Belinda stood back, Franks eyes now looked red but at least he wasn't crying, Belinda still had tears but at thankfully, they were starting to dry up. Frank looked at Elle, "Stop looking worried, this conversation will not go outside of this office. As for your position here, I wouldn't be able to replace you. You must have amazing strength and persistance, given what happened with Becky earlier and how you handled it tells me you can handle anything. I am pleased you are with us but if you ever need anything then you just let us know," He stated. "I don't know how you have managed my darling but you are home now," Belinda said pulling Elle in for another long hug, Elle returned that hug thankfully. 

Flipping heck, I've only just met you! But it feels comfortable. Yes it does feel comfortable, lets see how it goes, she thought. 

Elle prayed this would work, it was a weird and almost alien feeling but, she did truly feel home. They all sat back down and Elle filled them in on the highs of her life. Frank and Belinda in turn both told Elle of their life and how Skeel International came to be. Elle felt so much better and completely forgot Frank was Owner and CEO. She genuinely cared for them, that was strange for Elle, she rarely trusted anyone. Two hours later Elle left feeling better and like they were old friends, she stepped out of Franks office door to talk with Stephanie and they made arrangements for lunch on Friday, Elle and Belinda put off their lunch until the following day as they realised it would be a long lunch. Frank laughed at that knowing it was true. Frank adored his wife and would give her the world. 

Elle then went back to her desk, ready for the rest of the afternoon. She had a meeting with her new boss at 1pm, she may as well grab a sandwich and coffee before he gets in. If he is anything like his parents, they will get along fine.