In Her Head - Collision Course

Mers

Dear Elle,

I hope this message finds you well but I thought I would drop you a quick line. An email has just landed:

Skeel Financial haven't completed their paperwork so have to delay their launch date. Not very professional of them wouldn't you think? Might be worth mentioning as surely you couldn't let them get away with duping people.

I thought I would bring this to your attention only because Matt contacted me yesterday, he said that there are rumours are starting up from a couple of other news outlets about a delay in paperwork. I have to try to trace the email but I am sure you can imagine where this might have come from.

Shirley x.

This was a message that Elle recieved at 8.30am, she was thankful that the papers were unable to run this fully until the following day but she had some faith they would look into it before printing, it didn't stop some of them from trying to suggest it though, the newsroom would need to scour the news sites to see if anything was hinted at. Elle forwarded the email to Peter and Matt, she let them know she was feeling a little better and would be in by 10am. Elle replied thanking Shirley and she will get anything over to her if needed. Elle got ready, Nancy had taken the kids to School this morning, Nancy came back just after the email came through on her work phone.

Elle had decided to go in to work today, although Nancy said she should wait until this afternoon and they could talk this morning but things seemed more settled this morning. Maybe Elle just needed to get it out, she couldn't get her dream out of her head, it felt so right. Even Nancy woke in a good mood, Elle woke to see Nancy there and she hugged her, apologising for her breakdown yesterday and scaring Nancy. Nancy told Elle she was pleased she could talk to her and let Elle know she would always be here. Elle had to do something special for Nancy to thank her for helping them. She truly was an angel to them but Elle knows it isn't fair to keep putting on her, although Nancy keeps telling her if it wasn't for them she probably would have given up on life. 

"Let's have a quick cuppa before you head in Elle," Nancy said, popping the kettle on, Elle joined her in the kitchen and pulled up a chair at the island. "Nancy, I am really sorry about yesterday, I didn't mean to put all that on you but I was wondering if you might be able to let the services know that you are helping with the Children if they wanted to get involved, I will call and book an appointment with the GP this afternoon," Elle said. "Is there healthcare at work?" Nancy asked, Elle thought for a minute. "I think there is, I would need to get my contract out to have a look but I suppose I could ask Toyah at HR, but then I would have to let Peter know and I am sure he thinks I am a big enough freak as it is," she said groaning. "Well what about Belinda?" Nancy asked, "What about her?" Elle asked, looking puzzled. Nancy let out a chuckle, "Elle, I have known Belinda for a very long time, I may not have seen her in years but she is still the same as she was way back when. Would you consider talking with her and she might be able to get you to see the company healthcare provider without any delays, you can trust Belinda and she thinks a lot of you," Nancy explained. Elle wasn't so sure, although she did think a great deal of Belinda too and Belinda always proved she cared. "What if they think I am a liability?" She asked Nancy, "I'm sure she wouldn't, but you will never know until you try, this way you have support at work and you probably wouldn't have the services sniffing around." Nancy responded. That last comment settled it for Elle, she didn't want her kids taken from her she had a horrible upbringing, when she was 6 years old her Mother had a baby, Elle wanted a cuddle but was told no, her Mother then told Elle she was adopted but she had her own baby now, her Father didn't even help her. Elle cried for days, she was told that if she upset them they would throw her out. At 6 years old, Elle had to keep her mouth closed frightened of speaking out, at 16 she was called to a solicitors office, there they let her know she had money in an account from her parents, she was running back to her parents to let them know they could all have a better life with it when she found her clothes laying on the doorstep. Elle picked her stuff up and went to go find a place to stay, she had to rent a room in a shared house but she was really uncomfortable, Elle worked hard, bought a flat with some of the money she had in her account and worked harder to pay her bills and make her way through life. She never looked back after that. Elle couldn't run that risk with the children, not even temporarily. "Okay, I will go into work today but I will make arrangements to speak with Belinda either later or tomorrow," Elle said, "thank you Nancy," she added. Nancy came round and gave Elle a hug, "You seem to be in a much better frame of mind today," Nancy stated. Elle smiled, "I had the strangest dream last night, it was very odd but it made me calm, I need to get ready but we can talk about it later, thanks again Nancy," Elle said and Nancy beamed at her.

Elle made her way to work, she was about to go into Artigo and grab a coffee on her way when she spotted Peter at the door. "Ah Elle, I came here after you told me it was your favourite coffee shop, then I fell in love with their coffee too," he said sheepishly. Elle laughed, she put up her hand to hi-five him, "I told you it was really good, even Billy loves the coffee here," she told him. They walked in together and Elle paid, she wouldn't take no for an answer. They grabbed the coffees and made their way to the office. "Peter, I am sorry about yesterday, I had a bit of anxiety and it was so bad I had to head home," Elle said, hoping he wouldn't prod for any more information, it was known that she suffered with anxiety so she hoped that would explain it. "That's fine Elle but if things are too much for you at work just let us know. We want your emotional health to be as good as your physical health," Peter told her. Elle smiled, she appreciated the company looking after their employees but she wanted him to know it wasn't work related. "Thank you Peter, it wasn't anything to do with work though. It was something personal and I just had to try and get my head around it," she explained. Peter nodded his head and they carried on walking, it only took 15 minutes to get to the office from Artigo.

"I must be getting used to this walking malarkey, I'm getting faster," Elle thought.

Once they were in the office, The CEO of Skeel Financial was waiting for Peter and Elle got settled in, Belinda popped her head around the corner, "how are you feeling today honey?" She asked Elle, Elle looked at Belinda, seeing her face was full of concern she knew she would have to explain more to Belinda than she did with Peter. "Belinda I am sorry about worrying you, truth is I was a bit worried about my emotional health, I needed to get home quick. I am so sorry I worried you," she apologised. Belinda came over to Elle and wrapped her in a hug, Elle could feel the tears prickling in her eyes but she held them back. "Sweetheart, don't you dare apologise, if you need anything at all, you just let us know. We have our own healthcare here and you can access that anytime you like," Belinda said. "Oh it wasn't work related or anything like that," Elle explained. Belinda released Elle from the hug, "could have been something to do with the moon for all we care, you access it if you need to whether it is work related or not, don't ever feel you need to prove anything here," Belinda said as if she could see through Elle. Elle gave her a watery smile and Belinda said "when you are ready sweetheart, you let me know. I will get it all set up," Elle nodded, she had a lump in her throat that was preventing her from speaking, Peter came out of his office, "are you okay Sweet?" He asked Elle, she chuckled at that, "I most certainly am Braveheart!" She exclaimed, Belinda laughed, "okay, do I even need to know?" She questioned, looking to them. Elle giggled, "lets just say power tripping ex commando twits," she smiled. Peter laughed, "perhaps a laking exercise would be nice next time Mother," Peter recommended as he was turning to head back into his office. Belinda and Elle smiled at each other, "anytime you need me Elle, give me a shout, I mean that. I am here as a friend," she assured Elle and made her way back to her office.

Stephanie emailed Elle to see if they were still on for lunch today, Elle apologised that today it wouldn't be happening as she had so much on and was fielding calls, the team were trying to get a press release out on behalf of Skeel Financial who were still trying to get their own Media team set up, the financial would still answer to Peter but they would be able to manage most of this. Elle was trying to contact someone at the FSA to explain they would be using their communications with them to put the rumours to bed. Elle wasn't holding out much hope, they didn't need to let them know as it wasn't confidential but they had to put the rumors to bed at such a precarious time and letting them know was the right thing to do. She had already sent the email to their newsroom and the case officer but nobody had got back to her yet. They should have at least gotten back to her but they were flippant in their email to Skeel Financial so it wasn't looking like they would.

An email notification pinged:

Elle,

I am getting Sushi, I will bring it back and we can eat at your desk. Ask Peter if he wants any and let me know, Belinda will take the calls for 30 mins, just sorted it, See you at 1pm, Stephanie xxx.

Elle chuckled to herself, trust Stephanie to not take no for an answer, she was a Godsend. It was 11am now, although it was still early, the FSA only had until 1pm to get back to her so she was unsure what was going on.The desk phone started ringing, it was internal, Elle answered, the receptionist told her that Jeffrey Coebar from the FSA was here and wanted to see Peter, Elle asked for them to get him to wait there while she got a room sorted.

"Coebar, why does that name seem familiar?" She thought to herself.

Elle jumped up and knocked on Peters door, popping her head round "Peter there is a Jeffrey Coebar from the FSA in reception wanting to speak with you," she said. "What does the Chairman of the FSA want to speak with you for?" Sebastien Fore asked almost beside himself that he wasn't being asked for. "I think it is to do with the email I sent on behalf of Mr Skeel this morning, as it was his name on there he would probably want to discuss it with him," Elle offered.

"We don't have time for a d**k measuring contest you i***t, we need to know what is going on you moron," Elle said in her mind.

"Elle, put your calls through to Stephanie, you're in with us on the meeting," Peter told her. He turned to Sebastien, "you are in with us too but, if you have any outbursts I will throw you out myself," he warned. Sebastien nodded and they made their way to the conference room, Elle had already checked it was free while she was on the phone to the receptionist. She wasn't entirely sure Peter would care anyway, he would empty it, the meeting with Sebastien must've been going downhill. Elle was dreading this meeting, she made the call to Stephanie and then diverted the incoming calls. Peter was outside the conference room, "Elle," he called as soon as he spotted her, "Mum is sorting tea and coffee, thanks for jumping in with Sebastien earlier, I need you in here so it goes smoothly," he said. "Let's give reception a call to bring him through," Peter said, smiling at her. Elle walked in and took a seat, "if you feel yourself getting riled up Mr Fore, please take a deep breath and we will jump in. It will save any further delays," Elle advised, Sebastien nodded not looking happy but he knew the circumstances needed him to remain calm. The conference room door opened and Sebastien almost fell over himself to greet him first, Peter coughed to hide his chuckle then introduced himself and they shook hands, Peter introduced Elle and she shook his hand, Elle had worked out why the name was so familiar when she looked at his eyes, "Elle, I thought it was you, I had to come and see for myself," Jeffrey said smiling. Elle smiled, "It is very good to see you again Jeffrey, is all well?" Elle asked, they both knew the meaning behind it but nobody else would realise, "yes, all has been very well," he replied and Elle smiled brightly. "Oh so you two know each other?" Sebastien asked, you could tell the look of shock on his face would probably be there all day. "I am friends with Mr Coebars sister although we haven't seen each other in a while," Elle responded putting the questions to bed, they didn't need to know anything else, all of them sat down and Jeffrey sat beside Elle. Peter smiled, "you have intrigued us with your visit, Mr Coebar," Peter stated politely but you couldn't mistake the question. Jeffrey smiled, "Ms Collis sent an email through to our newsroom today and my Sister brought it straight to my attention," he started. "I am so pleased," Elle cut in glowing, Jeffrey only had one Sister so she knew it would be Jennifer, Jeffrey smiled, "I thought you would be, she will, no doubt, be giving you a call later," he said chuckling. Then turning to face Sebastien and Peter, "We have not lost any of your paperwork at all, your paperwork will go through within the timeframe that has already been given," he continued, "we talked to the case handler to ask what was going on and what we came up with wasn't great, I have my IT team looking into this but one piece of information that came up was an email from Mers." He finished explaining. Sebastien looked like he was ready to explode and Peter's hand went to Sebastiens shoulder in warning. "Mr Coebar, we cannot thank you enough for putting that to rest for us but we will definitely need to talk about the media side of it, could you possibly wait here, I am just going to have a quick chat with Sebastien and see him out, he has a lot to get on with today, I hope you understand," Peter said. Jeffrey smiled and nodded saying it was nice to meet Sebastien.

"How is she getting on now Jeffrey?" Elle asked as soon as they stepped out of the room, after hearing about Jennifer being in the newsroom Elle was beaming and couldn't wait to hear. "Well, thanks to you she is working, she is living with us still as she doesn't trust being on her own for too long but she has come so far, if you could see how healthy she looks, I have my little Sister back Elle and I cannot thank you enough," Jeffrey responded. "Oh please Jeffrey, she did the hard work herself, she should be proud of that because I wouldn't have been able to help if it wasn't for the fact that she was willing to help herself, remember that, because she is strong," Elle said matter of factly, Jeffrey smiled. They made small talk until Peter came back in where they all had a cuppa, "Mr Coebar.." Peter started, "call me Jeffrey, please," he cut in. "Okay, Jeffrey, thank you. I just want to say thank you for bringing this to our attention but we still have to put the issue to bed, we will lose consumer confidence before it has even begun," Peter said and Jeffrey nodded. "Okay, what do you think Elle?" Jeffrey asked her, she looked to Peter and he nodded for her to go ahead, "I think your newsroom needs to put the rumours to bed, perhaps along the lines of Fair competition is needed on the Financial markets, you do not agree with the rumours so you are therefore confirming that Skeel Financial completed their paperwork on time in order to instill confidence that there will be competition to the Financial markets. Perhaps put a warning in there that you will not allow the FSA to be dragged through the mud and you are working with Skeel to find the culprit of a false email, no other comment on that due to ongoing investigation so to speak but something worded better," Elle suggested. Peter and Jeffrey both grinned and Elle rolled her eyes, "you know sometimes, I do come up with some semi decent ideas," Elle pouted. "I think ours should be along the lines of we are working with the FSA due to a false email we received and we are looking into it but as far as we are concerned there is no substance to the rumours, no further comment due to pending investigations," Elle added. Peter agreed and Elle smiled and looked at Jeffrey, "Jeffrey, how would you feel if we keep in contact with your offices?" She asked him, "we need to work out who is behind the rumours and take a stand when we get to the bottom of it so that confidence isn't lost in either your organisation or Skeel Financial, if anything it would show transparency and professionalism," Peter explained to Jeffrey. Jeffrey nodded and smiled, "you two really are in sync," he said to them both. They laughed and spent the next 20 minutes telling him about the extreme escape room saga. Peter left out the part where Elle had taken a panic attack and Elle was grateful, but she did tell Jeffrey about it as she knew he would understand and not discuss it with anyone, by the end of the meeting Peter had already arranged a lunch with Jeffrey and Elle asked him to send Jennifer her regards, she will love to catch up with her. 

Elle left the men to it and made her way back to her desk feeling happy, she was overjoyed that Jennifer was back in society and seemed to overcome her demons. Elle met Jennifer when she was living on the streets, Elle was volunteering for an organisation that provided support to those who needed it, Jennifer wouldn't talk to anyone but connected with Elle. Elle helped her get back on her feet and get back in contact with her Brother, as far as Elle was concerned that was between them and nobody else ever needed to know that, Jennifer wouldn't give her real name to anyone other than Elle, she didn't want shame brought on her Brother, Elle understood that so would never reveal it. That was almost five years ago.

Peter came back to his office and they sent off the statement to the newsroom for them to release it. Peter was smiling at Elle, "Sweet, you are amazing," Peter said in admiration. "What do you mean?" She asked him confused, he chuckled thinking, trust Elle not to see it. "You handled yourself really well today and Jeffrey also told me how you met his Sister, the fact that you weren't even going to say anything about it has shown me your integrity and I am honoured you are here with us," he said. "It isn't my place to say anything, I really didn't do much, as for today I tried to use common sense," Elle replied, she knew Peter could be trusted not to run his mouth off about what Jeffrey had told him. "Look Elle, this is killing me to say this as you have been a superstar here, but, would you consider becoming the Media Director at Skeel Financial?" He asked sadly, Elle was open mouthed, she couldn't respond as she was in shock, she was only an Executive Assistant, she didn't understand how good she was so was unable to comprehend why Peter was asking her. "Have a think about it Elle, you would still be liaising with me until you could take the reins yourself but you have the capability of doing it, probably more than you realise. Look, I don't want to lose you as my EA but I cannot hold you back when you are capable of doing so much. I have barely needed to do anything in the last four months, you have pretty much run this department single handedly, take a week and let me know," he said.

Elle returned to her desk still in shock but smiling, hearing that Jennifer seems to be on the other side of her demons, it inspired Elle. Elle was considering the position but she had a lot she needed to discuss with Belinda before that decision was made. Elle was shaking, she couldn't understand why this position was being handed to her on a platter, Elle was so out of her comfort zone already and she just had an episode of some kind, it was all feeling surreal. Elle needed to speak to someone, but who? Elle was still deep in thought when Stephanie arrived, "Hey chick, pop the phones through," she said, bringing Elle out of her thoughts. Stephanie dropped a bag on Elles desk along with two frappes, Elle smiled grabbing one and putting the transfer on, Stephanie knocked on Peters door, "Dad wants to see you, he has lunch, take it while it's on offer," She told Peter smiling, he told them he would see them soon and made his way. Stephanie and Elle were having a great conversation, Elle decided to ask Stephanie, hypothetically, what she would do if she was offered a promotion, "I would jump at the chance Elle, has he offered it to you then?" She asked, "it was supposed to be a hypothetical question Stephanie, how long have you known?" Elle groaned, Stephanie laughed at her, "a couple of weeks, he wasn't sure how to ask you plus he didn't want to lose your expertise," she replied nonchalantly. "Oh wow!" Elle exclaimed, "I need to speak to Belinda," Elle thought aloud. This was so sudden, Elle had the capability but she had only been with the company a short while. "You can do Peter's job blindfolded Elle," Stephanie interrupted her thoughts. Elle was thankful that Stephanie's secondment was extended by another 2 months, She adored Stephanie and even though there was a difference in age, Stephanie was what you would call an old soul.

"I have to think of the kids' future, it would put us in a better position financially but why would he sit on it for two weeks? What if there is more going on with my mind? Would I really be able to cope?" Elle debated in her head.

"Good afternoon Ladies, how are you both?" Belinda asked as she rounded the corner. "Belinda, I hadn't realised the time. I will take the transfer off now," Elle rushed. "No, your lunch isn't up yet, leave them where they are. Peter is taking the calls, perks of being his Mother," Belinda said laughing. "Oh God," Elle groaned face palming, she could imagine what Peter would be like on the phones. Belinda sat with them and they had tears streaming down their faces with laughter by the end of it. They talked and joked about everything and anything. "Right, I have to go and see my heart Billy before I head back to my desk," Stephanie said. Elle slapped her hand over her mouth, "I never knew, how long?" Elle asked, "It's been a few years now, we are almost inseparable," Stephanie replied. "Wow, I did not see that, although now.." Elle trailed off thinking how good a match they are. Stephanie chuckled and skipped off leaving Elle and Belinda laughing again.

“You seem a lot brighter than you did this morning, honey.” Belinda pointed out, Elle smiled, “I am but I am still worried,” She replied.

Why am I so weird? How come I keep spilling my guts to Belinda? I am such a fool! Elle debated 

“What’s worrying you sweetheart?” Belinda asked, Elle knew she would be asked as soon as she said she was worried. She wasn’t able to lie to Belinda's face so she knew she had to talk to her. “I am worried because I imagined something yesterday, as if it was so real to me, now I have concerns about my mental state, Peter just offered the Media Director position and I am struggling with what to do, What if I am a liability? I don’t know why I had that episode yesterday, I don’t think there was any real reason for it to have happened so I know I will need to get help to work out what is going on.” Elle breathed out, relieved that she got it all out without breaking down. “And this happened yesterday?” Belinda asked her, “yes and it interfered with my work, I couldn’t even make it back to the office,” she replied, “and thank you for being so understanding.” Elle added. “Elle you have just come in to make sure this situation today is dealt with and even took control of a meeting, with the right message to get out, that was beneficial to us and the FSA. You managed that, even with all of this weighing on your mind honey,” Belinda assured her. “Oh,” Elle said realising she did achieve that today. “But how can I take a position that could be publicised while I am questioning my own mental health, Mers have been so underhand with just a rumour they caused today, could you imagine what they would do if they got wind I needed help.” Elle finished, she had already convinced herself that taking the position would be disastrous. “Elle, I am going to set up something with our healthcare team, it may take a few days but it will get sorted. We have just taken on a counsellor there, to be honest it’s been a long time coming and should have happened years ago. Nobody will know about it, it will be off the records so don’t fear about people finding out,” Belinda told her. “I have to ask though honey, are you sure you made it up?” Belinda asked, Elle let out a wry laugh running her hands through her hair, “oh yes, it most certainly wasn’t real,” Elle said firmly. “Elle, you are more than capable of taking that position. You have proved that time and time again,” she said, grabbing Elles hand and smiling, “consider the position honey, we want someone we can trust,” she told her. Elle smiled, she needed that. After her chat with Belinda, Elle was happier that she could get some help she needed, the day was flying by quickly.

“Elle, are you still going to Mums barbeque on Saturday?” Peter asked, “oh yes, I must get the address for the sat nav,” she replied. “I will text it over to you, do you or the kids have any allergies?” He asked, “no, sometimes my Son has a serious food aversion but apart from that they are hyper,” she said solemnly. Peter laughed, “they have a pool so bring swimming gear and changes of clothes, bet they are nothing like my cousins children, oh yes, bring changes of clothes, the last barbeque landed up as a food fight,” Peter chuckled. “We should fit right in then, that's a bit of a relief,” Elle said, feeling brighter now. “Bring Nancy too, it has been too long,” he told her. Elle smiled, she wasn’t feeling as anxious now, she just had to make sure Nancy would go and she was praying she would.

Peter called Elle into his office at 4.15pm, they had to run through strategies of dealing with Mers, they were being very underhand in trying to destroy Skeel Financial. They troubleshooted what they thought Mers might do and put in action plans to help them manage the outcomes, prepared was always better than being caught off guard. Elle decided to take her laptop home tonight to put them together so there was something ready in the morning for the teams to look to. Elle told Peter she was seriously considering the position, he was happy and asked if she would be okay staying within the Executive Offices rather than moving down the the team, it would make sense as although Skeel International and Skeel Financial were seperate businesses they would still be in the same building and their Executive members would be using the Executive Offices, there was plenty of room to do it as there was work going on to build offices on the other side where the large conference hall was, it was rarely used so better to have it as a useful space than left lying.