In Her Head - Collision Course

Consequenses

Elle got home to find Nancy there, "Nancy, I really want to talk with you about a dream that I had," Elle told her in the hopes she would remind her later and she wouldn't forget. Nancy smiled, she knew Elle well enough to know she needed reminding later. "How was your day child, did you get through the interview okay?"  Nancy asked her, Elle smiled remembering how well it went and the news she had to tell Nancy and the kids. "It went really well, I have an announcement at dinner," Elle said. "Well dinner is ready so we won't be waiting too long," she replied. Elle was smiling brightly, she walked to the door at the end of the kitchen to call the kids in for dinner, "food is up, go wash your hands, it smells like Nancy has done lasagne," Elle called. Emily and Michael were shouting yes triumphantly, they must've begged Nancy to make it. They ran over to Elle and all three of them had kisses and cuddles then the kids ran upstairs to the bathroom to wash their hands. Elle felt blessed, her children were amazing and Nancy was so good with them. "So you accepted it then?" Nancy asked, breaking Elle from her thought, "I did, I had the hump with the CEO of Financial and wanted to put him in his place," Elle chuckled. "Are you regretting it?" Nancy asked knowing Elles mood was too good for her to be regretting it, "no, I am really pleased and I didn't think I would be," Elle admitted. The kids ran in the kitchen to sit at the island ready for dinner, "I got a promotion at work today kids," Elle to Emily and Michael. "What does that mean?" Michael asked, the kids were waiting for Elle to respond, both of them were sitting forward ready to listen, Elle smiled at them. "Well, it means that I have somebody to help look after me now, and I get to do what my boss does, it means I have a new job title, I will be called the Director of Media for Skeel Financial, they are a new financial company just starting up. I get more responsibility and more money too," Elle tried to explain. "Wow," the kids said in unison, "that's so cool," Emily said. "Can I have a drink Mummy," Michael said. Elle laughed, thinking of how kids were so innocent.

Elle had just put the kids to bed, and walked downstairs to the smell of latte, her mouth was watering, "Nancy, I swear, you are an angel," Elle said thankfully. Elle gratefully took the coffee from a smiling Nancy and sat on her usual sofa, Nancy picked up her tea and went to sit on the other one, they were so comfortable in each other's company. "How are you doing now sweetheart, honestly?" Nancy asked and Elles heart was soaring, she didn't think Nancy would ever realise how much she loved her, she was so good to Elle, just the way Elle hopes she will be to Emily and Michael. "I love you Nancy, but honestly, I have some concerns still but I haven't had another episode yet so I am hopeful it might have been just a glitch so to speak. The position, I am quite looking forward to but I hope I don't screw it up, It is going to take a couple of weeks until it is formally announced and until then all Financial media things will go through me. I have my own office and Stephanie is going to help both me and Peter until then, she will be announced as my Executive Assistant," Elle said smiling. Nancy smiled, "Elle, I am so proud of you," Nancy beamed. "Thank you Nancy," Elle glowed at her pride and she was quite proud of herself, Elle had achieved so much in such a short space of time, yes she did have her wobbles but she had come a long way. Five years ago was when Elle first started volunteering, she met Jennifer and that was the first time she actually felt like she could make a difference. It helped her anxiety somewhat but it wasn't until Nancy pushed her, that Elle could actually get herself out there and pull on her media experience to help other organisations. Elle and Nancy chatted about how far she has come in recent years and Elle could breathe a little better, she felt lighter because she was now acknowledging it, even four months ago was like a lifetime, Elle was a shaking wreck. She wasn't questioning herself as much now.

Elle was just finishing her coffee, "So what about that dream?" Nancy asked her, Elle smiled sheepishly and Nancy laughed, they both knew Elle had already forgotten she wanted to talk about it. Elle composed herself, "when I had that episode the other day, I had a dream that night. It felt like I was looking at my Mother and my Father, I know it sounds weird because I never met my parents but it felt so real and I.. ..I know it sounds silly but I.. ..I felt loved, it was strange but it was so warm," Elle tried to explain. Nancy smiled, "I had a strange dream that night too, I dreamed I was with my husband and it felt real," Nancy said. Elle was confused, what would be the chances of them both having dreams like that? "Trauma can cause memories from the past to surface, you can remember what you might have seen previously that was buried deep," Nancy offered. Elle wasn't sure but she wouldn't call Nancy a liar, maybe she was just trying to make her feel better. "Yeah, maybe," Elle said, "Look honey, how about we look into that and find out who your parents were, it might help you work out whether it was a memory or just a want." Nancy said and Elle realised her face was readable. "I get that but what if they are still alive Nancy, I was told by a solicitor that my parents gave me up for adoption, he didn't say that they died, if they are alive, I don't want to see them." Elle said firmly, "honey, we don't have to find them, just a bit more about them," Nancy explained. Elle nodded, she was apprehensive but she did need to know, "okay, I will look into it but it will have to wait until things are settled at work," Elle said. "Oh, while it is in my head, Belinda is having a barbeque on Saturday, will you come with us?" Elle asked her. "I will," Nancy said smiling. "Belinda's barbeques are amazing from what I remember, what time are we heading off?" Nancy asked, "if we leave at 11:45am then we can get there at 12:30pm when she is starting," Elle said. Nancy agreed and they hugged goodnight. Elle was in a much better frame of mind and Nancy was happy for her so she could head home without worrying.

Sleep was sound for Elle, she was shocked at how easy it came, she thought she would be up all night worrying about her new position but she wasn't; she woke up refreshed and energised ready for the new day, even Emily and Michael commented on her chirpy demeanor. Elle went to the office and was about to set up at her desk when Stephanie walked in, "what are you doing Elle?" Stephanie asked her, Elle realised what she had done and let out a groan, then she got up and walked around her desk to, what is now, her office "this is going to take some getting used to," Elle whined walking past a giggling Stephanie into her office. Elle checked her emails and the clipping alerts she has set up, now she receives Skeel Financial alerts too, she sent off to Matt what she will need an eye kept on in case it gains steam and sent off to Peter the Skeel International ones with possible actions.

It was quiet and the interviews weren't starting until 11am so she decided to head down to see the team making sure to grab her mobile. She reached the team and there were lots of people running up to congratulate her on her job well done and her upcoming promotion. She thanked all of them and told them the business is nothing without the teams behind it and they could see she was being genuine, they, mostly, all thought a great deal of Elle. Elle turned to see Carla, "morning Carla," Elle said to her, but Carla walked around her and went to speak to someone else, Elle was seething, she knew Carla had heard her. Elle caught sight of Matt who had his eyes narrowed on Carla so she walked over to him to find out what the hell was going on with Carla. Elle walked over to him, "Matt, what the hell is going on?" Elle asked him. "I think she's jealous," he said flatly, Matt had no time for jealousy, he knew Elle was the perfect fit for the position and she had shown it on so many occasions but Carla would never progress further than Communications Manager. "She thinks because she has been here longer, she should have been given it," he continued. Elle understood she might feel hurt but that was no excuse to alienate Elle. Elle would talk to her later and hopefully put an end to it. "Matt, I am heading up, I have some things we need to sort for Financial, if you can pop up to me in 15 I will get some coffees ready and will you bring Carla too?" She asked him, his face drained of colour and he wasn't looking forward to the blowout, Carla could be foul mouthed and underhand in her remarks when she took the fancy but he just nodded at Elle. Elle smiled and went back to her office, she wasn't going to let it get her down, she let Stephanie know Matt and Carla was coming up and asked if she could sort some coffee.

Matt came up to the office first, "Carla just called a team meeting and said she will be up after she finishes," Matt said to Elle, you could hear the annoyance in his voice. "That's okay, it gives me a good chance to talk with you, lets sit on the sofas," Elle said grabbing them both a coffee, Elle passed Matt the internal communications memo from yesterday that was sent out to all staff regarding the stance the company was taking due to the rumours, he was frowning when he read it, Elle then handed him an internal memo dated 2 years ago, it was word for word the same. Elle handed him the company information booklet about Skeel Financial, then handed him the one she received when she started for Skeel International. Matt sat looking open mouthed at Elle once he had run through them. "Elle, Rebecca had sent me to sign off the internal memo yesterday, she is from Internal comms, this isn't what I signed off," he stated, Elle believed him. "Look Matt, I saw this and the tone seemed wrong so I have been all through the Internal comms drive on the computer, this is just reusing what was done previously, it is all very complacent when we need a fresh approach," Elle explained. Matts shoulders sagged, he was deflated and Elle felt bad for him, she knew he had been undermined by somebody he trusted. "How good is Rebecca and is she loyal to Skeel or Carla?" Elle asked him, "I think she is loyal to Skeel as it seemed like she wanted to say something to me today but it didn't make sense until now, I thought I was imagining it," he told her. “How would you feel if I moved Rebecca over to your team? Just to see what she can come up with, you said you signed off on her work yesterday and it was good so, if it was then I would rather have her help," Elle asked while explaining her reasons why, Matt nodded. 

"Okay, we have a start, I am going to get Peter and wait for Carla, he can be shown these then it is his call but I will be pulling Carla on her blatant disrespect, see if Rebecca is okay to help and get her a desk straight away," Elle said to him, he still seemed deflated. "This isn't on you Matt, she has been here enough years to have that responsibility so it doesn't show you up, this is on her." Elle assured him, he gave her a smile and headed off to the team. Elle walked to her door, Stephanie looked to Elle smiling, no doubt Matt has already told her Elle thought, "Stephanie, if Carla comes up please do not let her into my office, she can wait out here, I am just going to talk to Peter," She told her. Stephanie nodded looking very smug and Elle couldn't help but chuckle, Stephanie was never keen on Carla. Peter wasn't in his office so she followed the coffee, Elle chuckled to herself, they would think she was mad sniffing him out. Elle could see Belinda at her desk as she walked into Franks suite, Belinda looked up smiling, "good morning sweetheart, how is it going?" she asked. Elle was smiling but it wasn't as bright as normal, Belinda noticed and she frowned. "Morning Belinda, is Peter in with Frank? There is a couple of things I need him to see," Elle asked. Belinda looked shocked, "how did you know he was here?" Belinda asked, Elle laughed, "would you believe me if I told you I followed the coffee." Belinda smiled, "actually honey, I would," she said, "got to admit that the body wash he uses is strong," Elle chuckled. Elle knocked on Franks door, "come in," she heard Frank say. Elle walked in and she was suddenly nervous.

"One flipping day at this and already you are making waves about how people should be working!" Elle chastised internally.

"Are you okay Elle?" Peter asked with concern showing on his face. Both Peter and Frank were at the conference table, when Elle looked she saw a memo, the same one that she had in her hand. "Yes, I am but I erm.. ..I wanted to talk to you about that and a couple of other things," She said pointing to the memo on the desk. Frank got up and pulled a chair out for her noticing she has a lot of paperwork in her hands, "why don't we all go through it?" he asked smiling. Elle hadn't realised she was holding her breath so she released it slowly trying not to draw attention to herself. "That is the memo I received this morning, and this is one from two years ago," Elle said as Frank sat down, "I didn't think it was the right tone for the situation we were discussing so I looked into the Internal Comms drive and found this, I also printed off the personnel introduction to Skeel Financial and it is exactly the same one that I was given when I started Skeel International," Elle told them showing that only the front cover had really been changed. "I talked with Matt and he said one of Carla's team, Rebecca, had sent through a completely different memo that Matt had signed off on. Look, Carla also has an issue with me getting the Media Directors position at Financial but I have to agree with her stance, it should have been advertised and interviews held for it." She told them, they looked both furious and shocked. "Look, why don't we announce that my position is interim for six months and interviews will be held then, I will also interview for it and if I am a good fit then that is fine?" Elle suggested, Frank took a deep breath and sat back. "Elle, you earned that position, you earned that fair and square and you have proven that you are capable at every twist and turn," Peter told her. "I know," Elle smiled at him, "I know that and I also know that I will continue to earn that position at every opportunity but this way, this way will make sure that there is fair employment competition within Skeel," Elle replied and they both breathed out a sigh of relief.

"You seem more confident, stronger even," Frank said to her smiling, Elle looked at him and nodded, she was glowing and didn't even know. "Thanks to everyone here I have had to acknowledge my capabilities and abilities, it has left me without a doubt that with a little more experience I can do this with ease, I know I am pretty much making waves at the moment but I want this done properly, exactly the way it should be done." Elle declared to them, Peter and Frank looked at each other smiling, Peter turned back to look at Elle, "what shall we do sweet?" he asked. "Carla will probably have a slagging match with me to get it out of her system, I am all good on that front but I may have to mention her work, I mean, look, up until about a year ago her work was great, she may just have gotten complacent. I asked Matt to take Rebecca over to his team's desks to see if she would be willing to help us with the Internal Comms for a bit, that way she is out from under Carla and it will be coming through Matt and myself. But once I have finished with Carla, you are going to have to take a stand with her and we need to find a way forward," Elle suggested almost out of breath, Elle couldn't help it, she could monologue until the sun went down. Frank looked at Peter, "Why did you bring this to me Son? Elle had it all under control?" Frank questioned Peter, Peter looked shocked and then Frank laughed, "payback for winding me up a few months ago and almost every day since," Frank informed him. "Ha bloody ha, thanks for that Dad! Way to make me feel good about myself," Peter said dryly. "That's okay Braveheart, we won't let him know next time," Elle said, winking at Peter, Frank paled and both Elle and Peter burst out laughing. "Out of my office you tricksters, but let me know what you decide," Frank said, only half laughing.

Back at Elles office Carla was nowhere to be seen but Matt was there with a shaken looking Rebecca. Peter came with Elle to her office as he was going to tell Carla he wanted to see her after Elle was finished with her. "Rebecca, have a seat poppet," Elle said, ushering Rebecca over to a chair. They all sat down, "Carla had sacked Rebecca for sending the wrong memo but Rebecca didn't send it," Matt started they looked shocked, not only that but Carla didn't have the authority to terminate staff contracts. "She did it front of the whole Internal Comms team, and warned the rest of them that they would get the same if they disobeyed her," Matt continued, Peter was bright red and his jaw was pulsing, he was absolutely livid, "when I got downstairs, I seen Rebecca and Carla informed me she had sacked her," Matt explained. "I called Toyah and she is in the meeting room downstairs with Carla," Matt said almost exasperated.

Elle tried to get her head around it and moved to sit next to Rebecca, "Rebecca, are you okay?" She asked her softly, the poor girl was pale and shaking. Rebecca nodded and it looked to Elle like she was holding back the tears, "why did Carla blame you poppet?" Elle asked, "I didn't send it, I wasn't even in the office, she wanted me to send on to Matt what she sent but it wasn't right so I did a new one and Matt signed off on it. I sent it back to her but I didn't tell her I changed it, she doesn't normally check, she will just delete the text in the body of the email and add her own using the attachment. I sent it to her right before I left for my appointment yesterday," Rebecca defended now in tears, it was breaking Elles heart so she wrapped her arms around her and Rebecca leaned closer to her for comfort. Elle kept her there and would do so until she calmed down. "Matt, call security and get the time that Rebecca left the building, call IT for the timestamp on the email that was sent out," Elle told him. "Peter, can you ask Stephanie to help with this all and make sure that the correct procedure is followed through," Elle told him. "I will give you the honor of terminating her employment," Peter offered to Elle. Elle smiled at him, "as much as I would love to, thanks to you, Matt and I have interviews in 15 minutes, besides, we don't need to inflame the situation anymore than it already is," Elle replied. Peter smiled, Rebecca was starting to calm down a bit, "okay Rebecca, did Matt tell you why he was coming to see you?" Elle said to her. Rebecca shook her head, she was trying to clean up her face with tissues Stephanie had slid to Matt through the door. Matt got off the phone and he had the times written down and passed them to Elle. Elle smiled at Matt, "you can do the honours," she told him and got up to let Matt sit down.

Elle walked out to Stephanie, "would you be able to walk through bits and pieces with Rebecca? Just to get her used to how we work and maybe restore her faith a little?" Elle asked, Stephanie nodded smiling, she knew it was an excuse to get a good read on how Rebecca is as a person and employee. When Elle got back into the room Rebecca was looking brighter, and Elle told her she would be spending some of the day with Stephanie, Matt will drop her laptop up after. Peter nodded to Elle when she looked at him questioningly.

Hey, we got the knowing thing going on! Elle thought.

Peter made his way to Toyah and Carla. He had murder on his mind but he remembered Elles warning, by the book, so he would try to find out why and then she would have to go, she went too far. Elle knew that the candidates would be arriving soon for their interviews, they were lucky that they blocked the time before to run through things with Toyah about interview processes and protocol. Matt had knowledge of what was needed in the team and Elle could judge their experience and what they were capable of. Matt and Elle sat in the office waiting for the candidates for the newsroom team, they would need four in total, Peter had already made a decision on one that was in administration, but it seems that the rest was left up to them. The team for Financial would be smaller than the Skeel International team but that was all they needed at this early stage, the Skeel team would also help Financial if needed, they had allocated two floors, one was for Skeel Financial teams, it would be open plan with only a few meeting rooms, and the other floor would house Skeel and Financial Media teams along with a new large conference room. Matt will have his own office now thanks to Elle and he appreciated it. 

Carla was suspended for the rest of the week until the investigation had concluded. That was all they could do under the circumstances, Peter was determined to do this by the book. Carla had spouted off about Elles position should have been hers, Peter explained it was an interim position for six months and internal interviews would be held for that position, Carla had broken down crying when she realised she had messed all that up. Peter was certain it was her but proof was needed. She was escorted from the building and the Front of House Reception was informed she shouldn't be let through on her own. Toyah told Peter he did well and then got her things together for the interviews and made her way to Elles office. "Interim for six months huh?" Toyah said as she walked into Elles office, Elle smiled, she loved Toyahs bluntness, "yes, looks like I will be having another interview with you when the time comes," Elle said, "more bloody contracts woman, I already had yours drawn up," Toyah said, Matt and Elle laughed. They got settled then started the interviews, the interviews ran until 12:50pm so they decided to discuss some of the candidates, only two stood out for them and they had another six from 2pm.

At 1pm, Peter called into Elles office, Toyah and Matt took that as their cue to dash out to the local deli and get them all sandwiches. "Sweet, how are you after all the fiasco?" Peter asked as soon as they were on their own. "I know what she did was wrong, I wish it were just complacency so we could at least try to work with her but I can't help but wonder if her behaviour was a result of being overlooked for so long or if she is just a vile person that can put a good show on," Elle sighed, "I think what she done was a result of me being catapulted to a position that she felt she was more suited for, if that is the case then we need to get some things in place so the staff feel more valued, we don't know what was going on with the previous Director," Elle said sadly. Peter hadn't thought of it that way, this was bringing things into a new light for him. "I think you might be onto something Elle," he agreed, moving toward the chair opposite Elle to take a seat. "I wish I could say it wasn't but there are a few staff members who have had their noses put out of joint, it tells me they definitely aren't feeling valued enough and if Carla felt so threatened by good work coming from her team then maybe she definitely hasn't been feeling worthwhile," Elle said. Peter knew that Elle was making sense but he wouldn't have Elle disrespected, he wouldn't condone it, "I want you to get her help instead of firing her," Elle pleaded with him, Peter looked at her shocked, "but she completely disrespected you," he stated, running his hands through his hair. "She may not even want to come back after but Peter, I really need you to think about it, this isn't about me, it is a consequence of the position being offered to me on a platter so to speak," she explained. Peter grabbed her hand, Elles heart fluttered and her breathing hitched.

Oh God not again! I thought I was over this hormonal crap! Elle thought.

"You are the most amazing and caring woman I have ever come across, we will talk to Dad and Toyah tomorrow," he told her, then he let go of her hand and stood up. Elle tried to cover her disappointment over the loss of his hand with a smile as if she was indifferent, in reality she felt lost without it. "Thank you Peter, and I really do think we need to put some focus on the team, maybe not rewards but our time and help would be better," Elle suggested. "Pft, and you were worried about not being able to manage a team," he chuckled, Elle smiled at that, she loved hearing his chuckles, his all out laughs made her day. "Well, I learned from you and your family, if I hadn't felt so valued I probably wouldn't have excelled." She admitted and he smiled, he came back down to sit opposite her and they caught up on everything else.

By 4.30pm, Toyah and Matt had left Elles office, they had four possibles from the whole day of interviews, they felt as though they were just on repeat. Once Toyah had said those dreaded words, see you tomorrow, Elle and Matt groaned and Toyah was laughing. Rebecca left with Matt to find out how tomorrow was going to work, they needed a change around with the Internal Comms teams seating arrangements. Stephanie came in for a catch up with Elle, it turned out Rebecca was really astute, she even helped Stephanie with her duties and was good at it, Stephanie called it a natural instinct. "So, you are thinking my replacement for Peter?" Elle asked her, Stephanie nodded her head. "Okay I will talk to him in the morning about it and see what he thinks," Elle said. They capped off the day and called it a night. Elle was grateful, today could've gone a lot worse.

Let us see what tomorrow brings, Elle thought