Escaping Death's Door

“MISS COLLINS! ” My secretary, Erica, called out to me almost stumbling by my table. I gave her a sincerely worried look as she was almost tripping on her own steps. Her approach peaked my curiosity, I barely see her lose her composure. “What’s gotten into you? You almost spilled the coffee I asked you to buy me. Don’t tell me you got me the wrong cup?” I laugh as she puts down the cup and tried to catch her breath. “Someone’s trying to take the TV project you’ve agreed into making a partnership with! They’re trying to sway them by offering lower costs!” She stumbles to find something in the stack of messed up papers she’s been holding all this time. I scoff, “We both know that we’ve secured this partnership. Even if the contract signing is still tomorrow. What company dares to try and steal the spotlight from Seraph’s Couture?” Saying this fills me with pride. I worked hard to be the top Fashion Company in the country. The franchises in other countries are bound to open in the following months. Being known in the fashion industry worldwide is going to add the cherry on top to my already stable company. I reached for the cup. And crossed my leg. Still waiting for Erica to reply. “It’s…. Opulence miss.” Hearing this. I almost spat my drink “WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY IT WAS OPULENCE FROM THE BEGINNING THEN?!” I stare at Erica in pure disbelief.   Opulence…. The company used to be the ‘Go-To’ of whoever was in search of the ‘best’. Well, that was all before I created Seraph’s Couture. I catered to every single person in need of the best clothing. I catered to people of any race, color, gender and size. I provided endless options to anyone. Whether they settle for already finished designs, or they have the craziest ideas. I make it into reality. “I…. Knew that you would be furious by hearing the name again. We just dealt with them last week over that supplier..” Erica handed me the document she was looking for, it was a copy of Opulence’s offer to the TV show.   “Don't remind me, and I’ll deal with them again.” I scanned the pages carefully, they made the same offer of providing the show’s guests with the garments that were necessary for a make-over. Knowing Opulence. Their offer will be limited to elegant garments. They lacked every other department except Formal wear. I continued to scan it, and to my surprise… “THEY CREATED A SPORTS LINE AND ALTERNATIVE WEAR??! Why wasn’t I informed of this?!! I didn’t hire people in Research and Development Department to play around!” I slammed the documents on the table, spilling the coffee all over my gray cashmere dress.   “GREAT! Now I have to throw this out! And I just bought this the other day!!!”  I forgot that Erica was still in the room. She hurriedly handed me the box of tissues, and cleaned the mess. Besides the dress, the only thing that got wet with coffee was the copy of Opulence’s offer. I squinted my eyes and massaged my temples and looked to Erica who was still panicking, trying to clean up the coffee on my dress and the table. I feel almost sorry for letting her see me this way.. But I just can’t help it. I’ve been on edge lately. And Opulence has been trying my patience.   I guess they’re trying to make most of my company’s weakness. That I’m only a woman running a big company, and that they have a room filled with men making plots to eliminate me from the endless competition of being the top provider of the highest quality goods. When Erica finally stopped trying to clean my dress, she slowly said. “I’m sorry for what happened Miss Collins.” Fuck. I hate being mean to my employees. I don’t know what has gotten into me today. “Don’t be. You had no part in this.” I reached for my bag and scanned for my keys. “Please get the extra clothes I have from my car.” I tossed her the keys of my car and she barely caught it. “It’s where it’s usually parked.” I don’t know what’s happening to me lately.   I used to handle these problems with ease every time without losing patience. I picked up the phone and called the Research and Development Department, on the second ring it was answered. I asked for the head of R&D to my office after lunch. I wanted to know what happened, they never made a mistake of letting a competitor’s attempts go unnoticed. As I hang up on the call, Erica came back with my sports duffel bag.  I spun my chair and stood up, we both walked to the comfort room. Erica handed me the bag and I entered the comfort room. I changed my clothes immediately and removed the remaining coffee stains on my leg. Retouched my make up and walked out. I handed Erica the dress and gave her some money. “Please try to get someone to clean this. It may be possible to remove it if it’s tended to while it’s still wet.” I returned to my desk and tried to fix the still scattered documents. Erica put the dress in the duffel bag and put the bag’s strap on her shoulders. As she was heading out the door I called out to her. “And you can have the rest of the day off.” Erica looked at me with a confused but almost scared face. Was I this mean to her lately? Or did I spook her earlier? “Oh my goodness. Erica, do you think of me that badly? You’re still paid to take the day off. Okay?” The look of discomfort on her face turned into a sheepish smile, she scratched the back of her head. “Thank you Miss! Good luck on that appointment you have later, and call me if you need anything!” With that she left my office.