Someone Competent

Chapter 4: Cruella's Antics

It's been a week since the Baroness' Black and White Ball, and she's more irritatable than ever. She's been shaken up by the whole ordeal, constantly on edge. Not to mention, the press has gone wild over the rodent situation. Although, the reporters didn't mention that Cruella stole the Baroness' necklace.

You never addressed the hand-holding. Choosing to sweep it under the rug instead of embarrassing yourself. You figured the Baroness would pretend you didn't share that moment of vulnerability anyway. Too proud to damage her ego.

The Baroness' spring collection showcase is coming up soon. With the public laughing at her, she feels pressured to achieve perfection. You occasionally have to remind her that all press is good press.

You approach the design room with tea for the Baroness in hand. Peering into the large windows, you see the Baroness massaging her temples. It's a habit she does when she's stressed. You carefully take your dominant hand and knock softly. Without looking up from the documents on her desk, she tells you to come in. You're silent as you enter the room, placing the tea tray on a round table near her. You start to pour the tea, and the Baroness sighs.

"My designers are imbeciles," she exclaims, carelessly dropping her pen. Your lips curl into a smile as you attempt to restrain a laugh. She places her hands on her hips. "You think my suffering is amusing?" she questions. You finish preparing her tea and offer her the porcelain cup. You almost snort at how comically high she raises her perfectly sculpted eyebrow. She purses her lips and tsks before taking the teacup and turning toward the design board.

"God, it's all so depressing." she sighs dramatically and pinches the bridge of her nose. You glance up at the corkboard, amazed by the elegant designs. She's displeased with her creations. You can tell by her scowl.

The Baroness turns and puts the steaming cup down delicately. She stretches across her desk, reaching for her straight razor. You watch her intricate gold skirt slowly ride up the back of her thighs as she strains her arm against the table. The garment is shorter than her others, stopping higher above the knee than usual. Although, you're not complaining.

Once she retrieves her blade, she taps it on her palm and judges her designs. She flicks her wrist to open the razor. Swiftly swiping her hand across the tops of the papers, she shreds all of them. You watch the beautiful designs flutter to the dark wood floor.

The Baroness closes her straight razor and sighs defeatedly. She places her blade on the desk and gently takes her tea saucer. She lifts the cup to her red lips and groans. Her tea is cold. You can see the displeasure written clearly across her face. She carelessly places the tea down. The clink of the porcelain fills the air.

She's aggravated. You're holding your breath, so she won't snap at you for exhaling. The clicking of the Baroness' heels breaks the silence. She approaches the design room door and leans out, calling for a staff meeting. All of the designers - except for one - cautiously enter the room. They're all clutching their design pads, awaiting the Baroness' orders. She squints at them, noticing Estella's absence, and sighs. She begins tapping her fingers on the back of her chair impatiently. You move to stand by the doors.

Finally, Estella rushes into the room. You roll your eyes at her tardiness.

"Ah, here she is." the Baroness glares at Estella. "Late. Grab a pad.". She gestures to a stack of sketchbooks lying on a decorative table. Estella pushes her way through her coworkers and quickly grabs the top book. She makes space for herself in the line, and the Baroness begins.

"My spring collection. I need twelve pieces, and I have... Let me count.". She turns toward the bare design board and pretends to examine it. "Zero." she sighs. "I need ten pieces that work by 3 am.". "Go." she dismisses her designers.