Call me Duchess

Blanch 'bloomy' Bloom

2 years ago...

"it's my first day of work at Olympic Falls prep. And I cannot wait!" I speak to my mother on the car phone. "Well blanch, darling I can't wait to hear all about it. Hopefully you'll make some real friends, a fresh start is just what you need sweetheart." My mother's southern accent makes anything sound so sweet even if it's layered in insults. I smile to myself and agree. "Alrighty mom I'm pulling up at the school. I'll call you later on. take your meds, I love you to the moon." She responds with her usual "and I love you beyond, honey. Bye-bye" she hangs up as I finish parking. As I step out of the car, I notice the most intimidatingly handsome woman I've ever seen. She's parked in the principal slot, so I have to assume that this is Principle Timber, my new boss. I smile and approach her with confidence and grace. And by that, I mean my usual overly excited fast paced steps. She doesn't even notice I tripped right before reaching her. "Oop!" I yelp and laugh a little as I tap her shoulder. "Hello there, I am Blanch Bloom your secretary. I can't wait to get started working with you." I flash my winner smile and am met by a cold stare mixed with confusion and a hint of annoyance. Uh-oh I think to myself. A second later a smile pulls at her lips, and she extends a hand to me.

"Isabella Timber, welcome to OFP." Her voice seems to ooze confidence and power. As if she's giving a formal greeting to a crowd of inferior beings. She is a goddess. I smile and take her hand shaking it quickly. A small laugh seeps from her nose and she turns to head inside. I watch her walk inside and, in that moment, I devoted myself to mimicking her every move and trying my best to learn as much from her as possible. I wish I could be as powerful as she was.

Working for her was fairly complicated at first. She'd schedule meetings then leave early or walk the campus grounds when she should be doing a half the workload, she passes to me. I didn't mind it, she wasn't rude, always complimented my outfits and looked at me as if I was pleasing somehow. I adored it. After the first few months I figured out her patterns and adjusted accordingly. Making sure to keep track of all her meeting and sorted them in order of importance. Until one day I noticed she met with one parent twice in the same week. I made sure to note him and highlight the meeting topic. Jared Elliot, British accent, short, muscular, handsome mustache, his son was failing English. The first meeting took a bit longer than he was scheduled for, but I didn't pay it much attention. The second however, I noticed the lights had been turned out and the door locked. The way my mind is wired, I never actually assume that someone is up to no good. I knew Principal Timber was married and was much smarter than having an affair at work. But to my surprise the meeting ended and Mr. Elliot and another man who I later learned was actually Principal Timbers husband emerge from the office one after the other. I tried not to notice them but I'm not a very subtle person.

"Ms. Bloom, reschedule my last appointment." She asked as she locked the door behind the men leaving. I nod without a word and smile at her before getting to work on adjusting her schedule. This continued for a few months. It was fairly simple. Until one particular case. Jared Elliot came storming into the office demanding to see Principal Timber. Now, I'm not the sharpest tool in the tool kit but the Mr. Elliot looked like he may have been under the influence of some sort. "Duchess, is she here? The principle where is she?" he said in a low husky voice. His accent made it a little hard to understand him. His eyes were read and nose runny. I tried not to stare but I really couldn't help myself. The fear in this man's eyes, I swear I could feel it fuming from him. "Uh no sir she's out at the moment. I'll have her reach out to you—" I suppose I wasn't speaking fast enough because he cut me off. "NO!" he shouted. "don't tell her I was here. Just—take care" his change in demeanor was the icing on the cake for how strange the encounter was. He turned and left, and I hadn't seen him sense. It's like I literally disappeared.

After that the extra meetings slowed down. They were less and less frequent. I decided to forget what I'd experienced and continue as normal. Going with the flow of my idol, Principal Duchess Timber.

Present Day...

As bloomy finishes telling me this story I stand before dumbfounded. My mouth hanging open as I struggle to form a sentence. She said so much, and I don't even know where to begin. I run my a hand through my hair and take a step back. "Okay." That's all I can say for now. Any remnants of alcohol in my system has dissipated. I walk over to my car and nod for her to come with me. "let's get you home."

The ride to Bloomys home was quiet. She sat with the window down letting the cool autumn breeze cool her off as she fell asleep. I stared at the road and let my mind spiral.

Jared Eliot disappeared without a trace. Bloomy was the last to see him? she never told me he came back. Shit shit shit. She knows everything. Fuck! Okay okay, so what about Denise? Fuck. Bloomy doesn't know about the non-disclosure, which is why it slowed down until today. I should give her a raise. Can I give her a raise? Fuck I have to see my mother this weekend.

We finally arrive at her home in the suburbs. I nudge her awake and she staggers out of the car. Before she walks away, she turns and pokes her head in the open window and says "I'm sorry I never told you—hiccup! I won't tell anyone, and I love you boss—hiccup" her words are slow and drunken, but I know she means it. I give her a hard-pressed smile and watch her get to her front door. Once she's inside I pull off and head home.